A massive fire has burned for more than 23 hours at a Coupang logistics center in Incheon, South Korea [1], [2].

The scale of the blaze has forced authorities to escalate their response to a national level. Because the facility is a critical hub for one of the region's largest e-commerce providers, the prolonged fire threatens local infrastructure and regional delivery networks.

The fire was reported on the morning of July 18, 2026, at approximately 6:55 KST [1]. The blaze originated on the sixth floor of the eight-story building and subsequently spread to the seventh floor [1]. Thick plumes of black smoke and debris have been observed falling from the structure as the fire continues to rage [1], [2].

Firefighting crews have conducted overnight suppression efforts to bring the flames under control. Due to the intensity of the fire, the fire department issued a national fire mobilization order [1]. This order allows for the deployment of additional resources and personnel from across the country to assist in the emergency response.

Reports on the exact duration of the fire vary slightly between sources, with some stating it has burned for 23 hours [1] and others noting it has reached the 24-hour mark [2].

"The fire that broke out yesterday morning at the Coupang logistics center in Seoknam-dong, Incheon, has not been extinguished for 24 hours," an anchor for YTN said [1].

Reporter Lim Seong-jae of YTN said that the news organization has received a steady stream of reports from concerned viewers as the fire at the Incheon Coupang logistics center remains difficult to contain [1].

Fire officials said that the national fire mobilization order was issued and that overnight suppression work is ongoing [1].

“The fire originated on the sixth floor of the eight-story building and subsequently spread to the seventh floor.”

The issuance of a national fire mobilization order indicates that the blaze exceeded the capacity of local Incheon fire services. The involvement of a high-rise logistics center—characterized by high ceilings and vast amounts of combustible packaging materials—creates a 'chimney effect' that makes vertical suppression difficult. This event may prompt a review of fire safety regulations for massive e-commerce fulfillment centers in South Korea.