At least 28 people have died in a major fire at a shoe factory in China, according to the first official toll reported by state-run news agency Xinhua. The blaze broke out around noon on Thursday, July 9, 2026, local time, at the Huiteng footwear factory in Jinjiang City, Fujian Province.
Rapid Spread and Severe Damage
Flames spread quickly through the multi-story facility, causing extensive damage. Videos circulating online show the building engulfed in thick black smoke rising high into the sky. Reports indicate several people were still trapped on the roof as smoke made the air unbreathable and flames consumed surrounding areas.
Massive Emergency Response
Approximately 200 firefighters and rescue personnel were deployed to the scene. According to Shanghai Daily, 183 firefighters and 35 fire engines battled the blaze for hours in an effort to bring the fire under control and conduct search-and-rescue operations inside the factory.
Possible Cause and Hazardous Conditions
Initial reports suggest the fire originated on the ground floor. A local official speaking to CCTV said flammable materials used in shoe manufacturing—and stored inside the building—contributed to the fire’s rapid escalation. The burning materials also produced toxic, acrid smoke that caused eye irritation for those near the site and severely compromised air quality in the area.
National Response
Chinese President Xi Jinping acknowledged the incident, referring to it as a tragedy with “major human losses” and calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the fire. Authorities continue probing the exact cause, and the death toll remains subject to change as rescue and assessment efforts continue.