Ulsan chemical factory fire extinguished after 7,000 workers evacuate
In short
A fire at a chemical factory in Ulsan on October 14 spread to seven outdoor storage tanks before being extinguished at 1:50 p.m. No casualties were reported, and about 7,000 workers evacuated a nearby construction site.
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A fire at a chemical factory in Ulsan spread to seven outdoor storage tanks on October 14, prompting about 7,000 workers to evacuate a nearby construction site. Fire authorities said the blaze was fully extinguished at 1:50 p.m., four hours and nine minutes after it began. No casualties were reported. [ 9 , 10 , 28 ]
The fire started at 9:41 a.m. at Buseung Hwahak (부승화학) in Haknam-ri, Onsan-eup, Ulju County, according to reports citing the Ulsan fire headquarters. Newsis reported that workers were transferring toluene through piping connected to a storage tank into 200-litre drums for shipment. Fire authorities said a fire of undetermined cause broke out during that work. [ 10 , 28 ]
Newsis reported that flames spread to toluene drums stacked in an outdoor yard and then to seven outdoor tanks holding chemicals including thinner, acetone, ethanol and xylene. The report said strong winds helped the fire spread rapidly. Flying embers also set grass at a nearby business alight. [ 28 ]
The factory's workers evacuated, although reports differed on the number present: Kyunghyang Shinmun and the later Newsis report put it at 12, while Chosun Ilbo reported 16. Work stopped at the nearby S-Oil Shaheen project Package 1 construction site, where about 7,000 workers moved to safety. Employees at other nearby businesses also evacuated. [ 9 , 10 , 28 ]
Firefighters declared a level-one response at 10:04 a.m. and issued a national fire mobilisation order at 10:17 a.m. Newsis reported that more than 200 personnel and five helicopters were deployed. The main flames were brought under control at 1:34 p.m., before the fire was fully extinguished at 1:50 p.m. Police and fire authorities are investigating the exact cause and the scale of damage. [ 28 ]
Why it matters
Work stopped at the nearby S-Oil Shaheen project construction site as workers evacuated. Police and fire authorities are investigating the cause and the scale of damage.
Key facts
- The fire began at 9:41 a.m. on October 14 in Haknam-ri, Onsan-eup, Ulju County, Ulsan. [ 9 , 10 , 28 ]
- The blaze spread to seven outdoor tanks storing chemicals. [ 9 , 10 , 28 ]
- About 7,000 workers evacuated the nearby S-Oil Shaheen project construction site. [ 9 , 10 , 28 ]
- The fire was fully extinguished at 1:50 p.m., with no casualties reported. [ 9 , 10 , 28 ]
- Police and firefighters are investigating the cause and damage. [ 9 , 10 , 28 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The exact cause and scale of damage remain under investigation. The reports state that police and fire authorities are investigating.
- Reports differ on the number of people at the factory. Kyunghyang Shinmun and the later Newsis report say 12; Chosun Ilbo says 16.