A fire broke out at the Young Poong(000670) Seokpo Smelter in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang Province, and fire authorities are carrying out suppression operations.
According to fire authorities on the 9th, a fire started at about 12:36 p.m. inside facilities at the Seokpo Smelter in Seokpo-myeon, Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang.
Considering the possibility of the flames spreading, fire authorities issued level 1 response, which dispatches all personnel from the jurisdictional fire station. Primary suppression and a search for people are underway at the scene.
The fire occurred inside a factory facility. The facility is known to contain hazardous substances, raising the possibility that toxic gas could be generated during the fire.
A fire authority official said, "We believe the fire started near the sulfuric acid manufacturing plant inside the smelter."
Bonghwa County advised nearby residents to evacuate to areas away from the scene. It also sent disaster and safety text alerts urging vehicles passing nearby to take detours.
Fire authorities said, "We issued level 1 response due to concerns about the fire spreading," and noted, "We are investigating any casualties."