A fire that broke out at a liquefied natural gas (LNG) power plant in Gamcheon-dong, Saha-gu, Busan, was largely extinguished about 90 minutes after it started. Black smoke billowing from the plant blanketed the area, prompting a flurry of calls from residents, and fire authorities issued a Level 1 response as they worked to put out the blaze.
According to the Busan Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters, the fire broke out at around 3:53 p.m. on the 10th at Korea Southern Power's LNG power plant (Bitdreem Headquarters) in Gamcheon-dong, Saha-gu, Busan. The fire is believed to have started near the electrical equipment of the Unit 4 steam turbine inside the plant.
Immediately after the fire broke out, black smoke shot into the sky, triggering a series of reports from citizens saying "smoke is pouring out heavily." The Busan Metropolitan Fire and Disaster Headquarters sent emergency alerts to nearby residents, urging them to "refrain from going outside and take care for your safety."
As the flames spread, fire authorities issued a Level 1 response and mobilized 48 pieces of equipment and 147 firefighters to battle the blaze. The main flames were brought under control around 5:30 p.m., and crews are now working to extinguish remaining embers. No casualties have been reported so far.
"We are currently venting gas contained in the hydrogen gas canisters inside," a fire official said.
Once the firefighting operation is complete, police and fire authorities plan to investigate plant officials and others to determine the exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage.
