[DigitalToday reporter Shin-hye Ahn (안신혜)] South Korea’s National Forensic Service has issued an appraisal finding that it is difficult to determine the cause of the fire that broke out in February at Samlip’s Sihwa factory, it was confirmed.

Industry sources said on April 8 that the National Forensic Service replied on April 7 with an appraisal stating: "It is possible the fire started inside the ceiling directly above the oven, and it is possible ignition and outbreak occurred in the oven’s exhaust piping, but due to severe burning and deformation, collapse and loss, it is not possible to make a specific determination on the cause of ignition."

Police plan to review all appraisal results from related agencies, including the Korea Gas Safety Corporation and the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation, which took part in two joint on-site inspections immediately after the fire.

Police have questioned fire victims and production line workers as witnesses and have proceeded with the investigation after receiving related documents, including factory drawings, submitted voluntarily by the company.

On Feb. 3, a fire broke out on the third floor of the production building in Building R at Samlip’s Sihwa factory in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, and was extinguished about 8 hours later. Three workers were injured after inhaling smoke and 500 people evacuated.