Kumho Tire Gwangju Plant Fire, Spark from Rubber Preheating Device as Cause
A large fire occurred at the Kumho Tire Gwangju plant, prompting firefighting authorities to begin suppression efforts.
According to the firefighting authorities, the fire broke out at 7:11 AM on the 17th at the Kumho Tire Gwangju plant located in Songjeong-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju.
The starting point of the fire has been tentatively identified as the electric oven device within the refining process that mixes basic tire materials such as natural rubber and chemicals.
It is estimated that the fire originated during the refining process required for rubber production.
According to eyewitnesses, including employees, sparks of unknown origin occurred from the device, igniting surrounding flammable materials and starting the fire.
A carbon dioxide fire extinguishing system was activated, and employees immediately responded with fire hydrants, but they failed to extinguish the fire in its initial stages. At the time of the fire, many employees were working inside the plant.
As the flames quickly spread, one employee was temporarily trapped inside the building but was later rescued, while some employees evacuated to the rooftop.
It is reported that 20 tons of natural rubber were stored inside the plant. The location of the fire is where tire raw materials are stacked and initially mixed, with dozens of tons of raw and auxiliary materials piled up.
Firefighting authorities elevated the response level from Level 1, issued at 7:28 AM, to Level 2 at 7:58 AM and are currently suppressing the fire.
The firefighting authorities indicated that due to the large quantity of heat-sensitive materials, they are using high-performance chemical trucks for suppression and are conducting investigations to accurately determine the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage.
It is expected that full extinguishment will take more than a week.
A firefighting official stated, "Given the nature of the fire site, it will take at least several days, possibly more than a week, to completely extinguish the fire."
Image source: At 7:11 AM on the 17th, a fire occurred at the Kumho Tire Gwangju plant in Sochon-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, causing black smoke to spread nearby. 2025.5.17 / News1. At around 7:11 AM on the 17th, a fire broke out at the Kumho Tire Gwangju plant, and firefighting authorities are conducting suppression efforts. 2025.5.17 / News1.
