SIHEUNG – A significant fire erupted on Tuesday afternoon at the SPC Samlip Sihwa Plant in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, prompting a massive emergency response and the rescue of a worker stranded on the building’s roof.
Incident Overview
According to the Gyeonggi Provincial Fire and Disaster Headquarters, the blaze began at approximately 2:29 PM on February 3, 2026, within the industrial complex in Jeongwang-dong. The fire reportedly originated in the bread production line located within the factory's main manufacturing wing.
At the time of the outbreak, 12 daytime shift workers were present on the production floor. While the majority were able to evacuate immediately, the rapid spread of smoke created a dangerous situation for several staff members.
Emergency Response and Rescues
The fire authorities acted swiftly, receiving a distress call from a factory official shortly after the smoke was detected. By 3:06 PM, the fire department escalated the situation to a Level 1 Response. This emergency protocol involves mobilizing resources from three to seven nearby fire stations, including:
70+ Personnel: Firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
30+ Units: Including pump trucks, aerial ladders, and chemical fire engines.
During the operation, fire crews discovered a worker trapped on the roof of the facility. The individual was successfully rescued using specialized equipment and suffered no major injuries.
Casualties and Damage
Current reports indicate that three employees, including a woman in her 40s identified as "A," were treated for smoke inhalation. Fortunately, their injuries are classified as minor, and no fatalities or severe burns have been reported.
The fire caused significant disruption to the production line, though the full extent of the property damage is still being assessed. SPC Samlip, a major player in Korea’s food and bakery industry, is expected to face temporary operational delays at the Sihwa site.
Ongoing Investigation
As of late Tuesday afternoon, firefighters were focusing on extinguishing the remaining embers and ensuring the structural integrity of the production wing.
"Our primary focus was the safe evacuation and rescue of all personnel on-site," a spokesperson for the fire department stated. "Once the site is fully secured, we will conduct a joint forensic investigation with the police to determine the exact cause of the ignition—whether it was an electrical fault or a mechanical failure within the production machinery."
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