Industrial fire was initially contained before deadly vapor explosion
Iain Hoey
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Industrial fire kills two firefighters in Wando
Two firefighters died after a vapor explosion during an industrial fire at a seafood processing facility in Wando County, South Jeolla Province, South Korea, on 12 April.
The Dong-A reported that Senior Fire Sergeant Park Seung-won, 44, of Wando Fire Station and Firefighter Noh Tae-young, 30, of Haenam Fire Station were trapped inside the structure when conditions escalated.
The fire started in a first-floor freezer used for seaweed storage.
A worker was removing epoxy flooring with a torch at the time of ignition.
Fire crews arrived at 08:38 and achieved initial suppression within nine minutes.
The fire then reignited and prompted a second operational phase.
About three minutes into that response, a vapor explosion occurred within the enclosed space.
The explosion caused a rapid spread of flames consistent with flashover conditions.
Both firefighters were unable to exit the structure.
Investigation examines industrial fire conditions and staffing
The Dong-A reported that preliminary findings suggest flammable vapours accumulated inside the sealed warehouse environment and were then ignited by an ignition source.
Authorities referenced a comparable 2020 logistics centre explosion in Icheon that resulted in 38 fatalities.
An investigation is ongoing into compliance with operational and site safety requirements.
The review includes the use of open flame equipment in confined industrial environments.
It is also examining adherence to the two-person work rule during hazardous operations.
The incident has prompted review of staffing levels across local fire stations and deployment practices during high-risk incidents.
It has been reported that Noh was primarily assigned to emergency medical services and had been redeployed to firefighting duties due to staffing shortages.
Park had 19 years of service and is survived by his wife and three children.
Noh was in his fourth year of service and had been preparing for his wedding later this year.
Authorities have indicated that findings from the investigation will inform any required changes to safety procedures and operational protocols.
Three firefighter fatalities have been recorded in the line of duty this year.
