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17 Apr 2023 | 03:57 AM UTC

South Korea: Authorities responding to fire at Gwangyang National Industrial Complex April 17

Authorities responding to fire at Gwangyang National Industrial Complex, South Korea, the afternoon April 17. Localized disruptions likely.

Informational

Event

Authorities are responding to a fire at Gwangyang National Industrial Complex, Gwangyang City, the afternoon of April 17. The blaze started at around 10:04 in a cooling tower of a substitute natural gas (SNG) plant but the cause of the fire remains unclear; authorities will likely provide updates in the coming hours. Emergency crews have evacuated the area and there are no immediate reports of casualties.

Officials will likely heighten security in the area until firefighting operations conclude. Authorities will also probably close nearby roads, causing localized transport disruptions. Lingering disruptions are possible after crews extinguish the blaze as investigations and cleaning up operations continue.

Gwangyang is approximately 5 km (3 miles) north of Yeosu.

Advice

Avoid the area until firefighting operations conclude. Follow all security personnel instructions, including any evacuation orders. Allow additional travel time in the area. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness, such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.