Dramatic Wildfire Erupts on Mountainside Near Taiwan's National Freeway No. 3, Illuminating the Night Sky

Emergency services are battling a blaze on a steep slope near the 185K mark of National Freeway No. 3 in Longjing District, Taichung City, with flames visible for miles.

A significant wildfire broke out on a mountainside in the Longjing District of Taichung City, Taiwan, on the evening of the 17th. The incident occurred around 6:28 PM near the 185-kilometer mark of National Freeway No. 3. Passersby noticed flames erupting from the slope and promptly alerted authorities.

The fire department responded swiftly, dispatching seven vehicles and twelve personnel from the Longjing, Dadu, and Lifen brigades to the scene. As of 7:05 PM, the fire was reportedly spreading uphill due to westerly winds. However, it was not impacting traffic on the freeway at that time. Firefighters were actively working to contain the blaze, but the steep terrain presented challenges, limiting access for personnel and equipment.

By 7:58 PM, fire crews had established a perimeter below the fire's origin. Despite these efforts, the fire remained uncontrolled, with thick smoke and visible flames continuing to rise. The situation was under continuous emergency monitoring.

Footage from freeway surveillance cameras and eyewitness accounts showed the intensity of the fire, with its glow illuminating a large portion of the night sky. Concerns were raised about a nearby high-voltage electricity pylon potentially being affected by the flames. Drivers traveling on National Freeway No. 3 in the Longjing section were urged by the fire department not to slow down to observe the fire, to ensure the safety of traffic flow.