Keelung fire at Tianwaitian temporary area brought under control

A fire broke out at the Tianwaitian temporary area in the Xinyi District of Keelung on the afternoon of the 30th. The blaze, which involved a large stockpile of combustible materials including discarded spring mattresses, was brought under control by approximately 5:00 PM. No casualties were reported.

Emergency response efforts involved 30 vehicles and 69 personnel from the Keelung City Fire Bureau, with additional support from the Keelung Port Authority, New Taipei City, and Taipei City fire departments. To manage the high volume of water needed, water tank trucks were deployed to the scene.

Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang visited the site to oversee rescue progress and monitor air quality. The Environmental Protection Bureau has deployed heavy machinery to assist in clearing burnt materials and preventing reignition, while also monitoring wind direction and air quality due to heavy smoke. The Health Bureau has advised local residents, particularly vulnerable groups like the elderly and children, to close windows and wear masks.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. Authorities noted that a contractor had arrived with machinery to begin recycling the mattresses the day before the incident, but the fire occurred before disassembly began. Personnel involved have been questioned by police and fire officials.