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Massive Fire at Kumho Tire's Gwangju Plant Fully Extinguished After 77 Hours

The blaze caused extensive damage to the facility, halted production indefinitely, and left three injured, while investigations focus on an industrial oven as the likely source.

An excavator removes debris at Kumho Tire's plant in Gwangju, about 270 kilometers south of Seoul, on May 20, 2025. (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • The fire, which began on May 17, was declared fully extinguished by Gwangju Gwangsan Fire Station at noon on May 20 after 77 hours of firefighting efforts.
  • Approximately 50–65% of the plant's western section sustained damage, with production expected to remain halted for several months.
  • Three individuals were injured, including two firefighters and a Kumho Tire employee who suffered a bone fracture during evacuation.
  • Authorities suspect sparks from an industrial electric oven as the cause of the fire and have launched a detailed investigation.
  • Over 1,200 damage reports were filed by nearby residents, including health complaints, prompting local officials to seek special relief measures for affected workers and the community.