According to the National Fire Agency and other sources, at about 8:38 a.m. on Oct. 16 at a metal parts painting company in Nae-dong, Ojeong-gu, Bucheon.
One firefighter dispatched to the scene was found in cardiac arrest and transported to a hospital. Two other firefighters suffered serious and minor injuries, respectively. Two factory workers were also hurt, bringing the confirmed casualty toll to five.
Fire authorities arrived at the scene at about 8:43 a.m., five minutes after receiving the report, and began extinguishing the blaze. At 8:57 a.m., they issued a "Level 1 response" to prevent casualties and the spread of the fire. At about 9:09 a.m., they raised the alert to a "Level 2 response," mobilizing personnel and equipment from neighboring fire stations. The National Fire Agency activated a situation response team at 9:10 a.m. and dispatched an on-site situation manager.
Fire authorities deployed 80 personnel and 38 pieces of equipment to bring the fire under control, lowering the response level to Level 1 at about 10:08 a.m. They knocked down the main blaze and completed initial suppression at about 10:22 a.m.
Authorities plan to investigate the exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage once mop-up operations are complete.