Massive Fire Erupts at Tainan Landfill, Mayor Huang Wei-che Oversees Response with Drones and Robots

Emergency crews battle blaze at Chenxi Landfill in Tainan, utilizing advanced technology to contain the fire and monitor air quality.

A significant fire broke out at the Chenxi Landfill in Tainan City on the evening of the 30th, affecting the temporary storage area for general waste in the second phase of the facility. The Tainan City Fire Bureau received the report at 7:48 PM and promptly dispatched personnel and vehicles. Upon arrival at 8:07 PM, firefighters immediately deployed water lines and established firebreaks to control the blaze and prevent its spread. Mayor Huang Wei-che, alerted to the incident, rushed to the scene and directed the fire department and relevant agencies to initiate environmental monitoring and response measures to ensure the safety of nearby residents.

The fire bureau clarified that the origin of the fire was within the general waste disposal area. Importantly, there were no asbestos-containing materials in the vicinity of the fire; the asbestos-related section is located in the third phase of Chenxi Landfill and was not impacted by this incident. The firefighting effort involved 30 fire trucks, 57 firefighters, and one conscripted serviceman. Advanced tools such as drones and firefighting robots were deployed for reconnaissance and extinguishing efforts, supported by a continuous water supply system. After machinery was used to turn over the burning waste and continuous firefighting operations, the blaze was extinguished at 9:58 PM. The site is now in the process of extinguishing residual embers. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

The Environmental Protection Bureau stated that the burning materials primarily consisted of general waste. Due to unfavorable wind conditions and atmospheric diffusion in the evening, some areas may have experienced odors. Air quality alerts were issued immediately through platforms like Facebook, electronic message boards, and inter-agency notification systems, with relevant district offices informing the public. The bureau advised that air quality in western Taiwan was already suboptimal on the 30th, and the fire exacerbated localized pollution. Sensitive individuals experiencing discomfort were advised to reduce outdoor activities, wear masks, and stay informed about the latest air quality updates.

The city government confirmed that air quality and the fire situation are under continuous monitoring, and updates will be provided promptly. The cause of the fire will be investigated by the Fire Investigation Section of the Fire Bureau, which will review surveillance footage and relevant data to determine the circumstances of the incident.