Massive Storefront Fire Erupts in Taichung, Taiwan. No Injuries Reported, Investigation Underway
Emergency services were alerted to the blaze at approximately 10:16 a.m. local time at the intersection of Chongde Road and Tianjin Road, dispatching 82 firefighters and 39 fire-rescue vehicles to the scene. Thick columns of black smoke billowed over the neighborhood as crews worked to contain and suppress the fire. By around noon, fire officials
announced that the blaze had been brought under control. Despite the intensity of the fire and its proximity to a nearby gas station, no injuries or casualties have been reported. The station was successfully protected by firefighters and remains under observation. Authorities confirmed that at least eight shops and structures, including what local reports describe as a furniture store and other units, sustained varying degrees of damage in the incident. Many of the affected buildings were constructed with corrugated iron and housed flammable materials, which may have contributed to the rapid spread of the blaze, officials said. Fire investigation teams have begun a full inquiry into the cause of the fire, and crews continue to monitor the scene for remaining hotspots. Local authorities urged businesses and residents in the area to remain vigilant as cleanup and damage assessments proceed. This incident adds to a series of notable fire events in Taichung in recent years, ranging from industrial and residential blazes to the tragic 2025 gas explosion at the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi department store, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. Further details will be reported as the investigation unfolds. Source: Taipei Times