SOUTH KOREA – Dangjin Lithium Battery Factory Fire Brought Under Control After Nearly 8 Hours

A fire at a lithium battery factory in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, was brought under control nearly eight hours after it broke out, with firefighters continuing to monitor the site for signs of renewed flames.

The fire started at approximately 7:24 a.m. on the 31st at a warehouse building within a lithium battery manufacturing facility in Hapdeok-eup, Dangjin. No casualties had been reported as of the latest update.

Fire authorities mobilised 165 personnel and about 60 pieces of firefighting equipment, including unmanned firefighting robots and remotely operated demolition water cannons. The initial blaze was brought under control at around 3:22 p.m., although complete extinguishment had not been confirmed by 10:30 p.m.

The specialised equipment was deployed during the early stages of the incident. Authorities believe the unmanned systems helped firefighters gain access through the building’s exterior and deliver water to the affected areas more quickly. This is thought to have limited the spread of the fire and prevented it from engulfing the entire factory.

Lithium battery fires can present particular challenges for firefighters. The Chungnam Fire Department explained that thermal runaway can cause batteries to ignite rapidly and can make such fires difficult to extinguish once combustion begins.

As the firefighting operation continued, Dangjin City issued a disaster alert to local residents, advising them to remain cautious and avoid going outside while the fire was being dealt with.

Firefighters remained at the scene after the initial suppression to monitor the facility and watch for any signs of flare-ups. A Chungnam Fire Department official said there was “almost no possibility of re-ignition or the spread of the fire.”

Authorities will investigate the precise cause of the incident and assess the extent of the damage.

Photo credit: Chungnam Fire Department. All rights reserved.