India, May 22 -- A colossal fire engulfed a significant portion of Kumho Tire's Gwangju manufacturing plant on 17 May 2025, forcing a complete halt in production and prompting authorities to issue a nationwide firefighting mobilisation order reported Korea Times. The company is South Korea's second-largest tyre manufacturer.

The blaze, which began around 7:11 am local time, rapidly consumed factory buildings, with flames reportedly reaching heights of up to 100 metres.

The report further stated that by 5 pm on Saturday, approximately 70 percent of the plant's western section - an area roughly equivalent to five football fields - had been devastated by the fire. Firefighters concentrated their efforts on preventing the flames from sprea...