As the fire that broke out on the 18th at the Coupang logistics center in Seoknam-dong, Incheon, had still not been extinguished the next day, Coupang moved to provide emergency relief to nearby residents and on-site firefighters.
Coupang said on the 19th that it is providing daily necessities and meals to reduce the inconvenience residents face in shelters and to support the field activities of firefighters deployed to extinguish the blaze.
Coupang delivered relief supplies starting the previous evening to Incheon Sinhyeon Elementary School, where a resident shelter was set up due to the fire. The shelter received 100 mattresses; about 100 pieces of underwear; hundreds of packs of wet wipes, toilet paper, and tissues; and 500 cups of instant noodles. Beginning with breakfast that day, it also plans to provide lunch and dinner to evacuated residents.
It also secured relief supplies in preparation for additional support. From the Sejong Fulfillment Center, an emergency relief hub, Coupang transported 200 sets of relief supplies the previous night and stockpiled them at a nearby Coupang logistics facility by the shelter. The Sejong Fulfillment Center has a total of 2,000 sets of emergency relief supplies available.
The relief supplies include a comforter and pillow, towels, and socks, as well as compressed wet wipes, toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap, and a foldable three-section mattress.
They were assembled around items needed to improve hygiene, warmth, and sleep comfort for residents temporarily staying in shelters. Coupang plans to immediately supply stockpiled items if residents need additional supplies.
Support is also underway for firefighters continuing suppression efforts at the scene. From the day the fire broke out through that day, Coupang has been providing on-site firefighters with daily necessities such as toothbrushes and mobile phone chargers, as well as snacks and beverages, on a rolling basis.
Coupang plans to continue consulting with relevant agencies, including the Incheon Seohae District Office, sharing on-site conditions and discussing needed relief supplies and support measures.
Earlier, on the 18th, Jung Jong-chul, CEO of Coupang Fulfillment Services, issued a statement saying, "We will make the safety of firefighters our top priority and actively support firefighting activities underway on-site, as well as fully cooperate with the investigation by the relevant authorities," adding, "We also plan to actively provide support to local residents experiencing difficulties due to the fire."