Namyangju recycling center fire prompts emergency response

A fire broke out at a waste recycling center in Palya-ri, Jinjeop-eup, Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, on the afternoon of September 29. Firefighting authorities deployed 18 pieces of equipment and 39 personnel to manage the blaze. While no casualties have been reported, significant smoke was observed, prompting Namyangju officials to advise nearby residents to keep their windows closed. Authorities plan to use excavators to clear remaining embers once the flames subside, with a full investigation into the cause and extent of damage to follow.

In a separate development regarding chemical safety, the National Institute of Chemical Safety has released an expanded emergency response guidebook to prevent secondary environmental pollution during warehouse fires. Following a successful pilot in the Gyeonggi region, the guidebook has been extended to 92 locations nationwide. The manual provides critical data, including facility layouts, chemical types, and predicted water runoff paths, to help responders prevent hazardous substances from entering local water systems during firefighting efforts.