Chung Hwa Paper plant in Taitung hit by large waste paper fire

A large fire broke out at the Chung Hwa Paper plant in Taitung City on the morning of September 20, 2026. The blaze originated in an outdoor area used for storing large quantities of waste paper and cardboard boxes, producing heavy smoke.

Emergency responders from the Taitung County Fire Department deployed 19 vehicles, 36 firefighters, and 40 volunteers to the scene. To prevent the fire from spreading to nearby factory buildings, crews created firebreaks to isolate the burning materials.

During the operation, firefighters faced a critical water shortage after the plant's underground reservoir was completely exhausted. In response, authorities deployed drones for aerial reconnaissance and requested helicopter support from the National Airborne Service Corps to perform water bombing to cool the site and prevent reignition. The fire has since been brought under control, and no injuries or casualties were reported. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.