As the fire at the Coupang logistics warehouse in Incheon entered its fifth day, the warm generosity of neighborhood shopkeepers encouraging firefighters sweating to extinguish remaining embers at the scene has come to light.
According to Yonhap News on the 22nd, the franchisee who runs a franchise coffee shop directly across from Coupang 32 Logistics Center in Seoknam-dong, Seohae District, where the fire broke out, has been offering cold drinks free of charge and providing a place to rest for on-site personnel since the 19th, the day after the fire.
The franchisee told Yonhap News, "I was concerned because it seemed they were not able to have proper meals for a long time at the site," and added, "I hope they can drop by anytime, feel comfortable, and take even a short rest."
Notices on the shop window read, "Firefighters, you may come in and have a meal," and "Free coffee for firefighters." As of the previous day, more than 100 firefighters were said to have relieved their thirst by getting free coffee at this store.
Nam Mi-yeon, who leads a company nearby that makes military equipment, also prepaid for 100 cups of coffee, worth 200,000 won, to support personnel at the scene. In the early stage when the flames were intense, the company generously opened its parking lot so crews could hold strategy meetings or park their vehicles, and kept the lights on all night to help operations.
The fire began at about 6:54 a.m. on the 18th at Coupang 32 Logistics Warehouse in Seoknam-dong, Seohae District, Incheon. The major flames were brought under control at about 8 p.m. on the 20th, roughly 61 hours later. Since the initial knockdown, fire authorities have continued overhaul work to put out remaining embers.