Chiayi Performing Arts Center Suspends Shows Due to Failed Fire Inspection

The Chiayi County Performing Arts Center issued an emergency notice today stating that due to abnormal fire safety equipment detected in the performance hall and experimental theater, all activities in these two venues will be suspended effective immediately for inspection and repairs to ensure the safety of the public and performers. The reopening date will be announced later. Lai Ying-chieh, principal of Xingang Wenchang Elementary School, posted on Facebook this morning that he received an emergency notice last night that the center had failed its fire safety inspection and was temporarily closed. The school's traditional music concert, originally scheduled for June 7, will be relocated. The center also announced that information regarding ticket refunds or rescheduling will be posted on its official website and social media platforms. Hsu Pei-ling, Director of the Chiayi County Cultural and Tourism Bureau, stated that the inspection revealed a malfunction in the fire sprinkler system. Because the building has high ceilings, the sprinklers are located 2-3 stories high, requiring the removal of all audience seats and the construction of scaffolding for inspection. Additionally, hardware protection is needed to prevent water damage, making the project complex and time-consuming. Hsu noted that after consulting with professionals, they decided that repairs could not be made during normal operations, and a preventive closure was implemented to ensure public safety.