Seokpo Smelter in Bonghwa hit by second fire in two months

A fire broke out at the first plant of the Seokpo Smelter in Bonghwa, Gyeongsangbuk-do, on the night of September 21. Firefighting authorities deployed 12 vehicles and 27 personnel, successfully extinguishing the blaze in approximately one hour and 23 minutes.

No casualties were reported, though some mechanical equipment within the plant was destroyed. Police and fire authorities are currently investigating the exact cause and the extent of the damage.

This incident marks the second fire at the facility in two months, following a previous fire on July 9 that affected air pollution prevention facilities. The recurring nature of these fires has raised concerns regarding safety management and equipment maintenance at the smelter, which is operated by Young Poong. While the cause of the July fire remains officially unconfirmed, authorities are looking into whether equipment aging or inspection protocols contributed to the repeated incidents.