Social Housing Construction Site Fire Causes Air Pollution; Taichung City Government Orders Work Stoppage and Imposes NT$5 Million Fine
A fire broke out at the construction site of the 'Xinping Haoshi' social housing project in Beitun District, Taichung, causing air pollution. The Taichung City Government has ordered a work stoppage and will impose a NT$5 million fine under the Air Pollution Control Act. The fire is believed to have been caused by workers' operations.
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- 📰 Published: May 14, 2026 at 15:07
- 🔍 Collected: May 14, 2026 at 15:32 (25 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 15, 2026 at 05:33 (14h 0m after Collected)
Central News Agency, Taichung, 14th - A fire broke out yesterday at the 'Xinping Haoshi' social housing new construction project in Taichung, which is being built by the National Housing and Urban Regeneration Center of the Ministry of the Interior, causing air pollution. The Taichung City Government has ordered a work stoppage and will impose a fine of NT$5 million in accordance with the Air Pollution Control Act for the impact on air quality, while continuing to monitor the environment.
The Taichung City Government issued a press release today stating that after the fire at the 'Xinping Haoshi' social housing new construction project in Beitun District, the large amount of thick smoke and odor caused the deterioration of the surrounding air quality. Although the fire has been extinguished, there is still thick smoke and the smell of burning plastic at the scene. Deputy Secretary-General of the City Government, Chang Ta-chun, inspected the site today.
The Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau monitored that as of 8 a.m. today, although the PM2.5 value had dropped below 40 micrograms/cubic meter, the air quality had not yet returned to normal. Considering the duration and scope of the impact, the Environmental Protection Bureau will impose a maximum fine of NT$5 million in accordance with the provisions of the Air Pollution Control Act.
The Taichung City Urban Development Bureau pointed out that the fire was suspected to have been caused by sparks from oxygen-acetylene cutting equipment falling onto plastic formwork while workers were dismantling steel supports in the basement. As the construction site was not equipped with appropriate fire prevention equipment and measures, it violated the provisions of the Building Act. The city government has lawfully ordered a work stoppage and imposed a fine of NT$18,000 each on the contractor and the supervisor. Subsequently, a third-party structural safety assessment and an improvement plan review must be completed, and work can only be resumed after confirming that it is safe.
The Taichung City Fire Bureau explained that the fire was extinguished at 11:37 p.m. on the 13th. Due to damage to some structures on the B2 floor and safety concerns, positive pressure smoke removal and continuous water injection are currently being used for cooling. They will also cooperate with prosecutors to clarify the cause of the fire.
In addition, the Taichung City Police Department continues to conduct traffic control and diversion around Dunping Street, Dunping 2nd Street, and Jingmao 1st Road in Beitun District, reminding the public to avoid the area to facilitate subsequent safety operations and cleanup. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150514
The Taichung City Government issued a press release today stating that after the fire at the 'Xinping Haoshi' social housing new construction project in Beitun District, the large amount of thick smoke and odor caused the deterioration of the surrounding air quality. Although the fire has been extinguished, there is still thick smoke and the smell of burning plastic at the scene. Deputy Secretary-General of the City Government, Chang Ta-chun, inspected the site today.
The Taichung City Environmental Protection Bureau monitored that as of 8 a.m. today, although the PM2.5 value had dropped below 40 micrograms/cubic meter, the air quality had not yet returned to normal. Considering the duration and scope of the impact, the Environmental Protection Bureau will impose a maximum fine of NT$5 million in accordance with the provisions of the Air Pollution Control Act.
The Taichung City Urban Development Bureau pointed out that the fire was suspected to have been caused by sparks from oxygen-acetylene cutting equipment falling onto plastic formwork while workers were dismantling steel supports in the basement. As the construction site was not equipped with appropriate fire prevention equipment and measures, it violated the provisions of the Building Act. The city government has lawfully ordered a work stoppage and imposed a fine of NT$18,000 each on the contractor and the supervisor. Subsequently, a third-party structural safety assessment and an improvement plan review must be completed, and work can only be resumed after confirming that it is safe.
The Taichung City Fire Bureau explained that the fire was extinguished at 11:37 p.m. on the 13th. Due to damage to some structures on the B2 floor and safety concerns, positive pressure smoke removal and continuous water injection are currently being used for cooling. They will also cooperate with prosecutors to clarify the cause of the fire.
In addition, the Taichung City Police Department continues to conduct traffic control and diversion around Dunping Street, Dunping 2nd Street, and Jingmao 1st Road in Beitun District, reminding the public to avoid the area to facilitate subsequent safety operations and cleanup. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150514