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Fire breaks out on outer island during Taiwanese artillery drill

Witnesses believe tracer fire or flares started fire in Dongyin Township

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(Facebook, reporter.taiwan images)

(Facebook, reporter.taiwan images)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A fire broke out on an outer island during an artillery exercise held by the Taiwanese military on Friday evening (Aug. 5).

On the second day of massive live-fire drills being held by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) around Taiwan, Taiwan's Army also conducted live-fire exercises in Lienchiang County's Dongyin Township from 6-9 p.m. During the exercises, witnesses gave differing accounts of either tracer fire or flares landing on a hill behind Sanjia Village on Xiyin Island and starting a fire, reported UDN.

The blaze quickly spread with some fearing it could engulf homes and nearby B&Bs. At 7:38 p.m. Dongyin Fire Brigade received a report of a fire in the area and dispatched two fire trucks, reported TVBS.

However, as the water supply was insufficient, firefighters had to go back and obtain more water and another fire truck was dispatched. The fire was brought under control by 9 p.m.

There were no reports of injuries or damage to nearby B&Bs or private homes. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fire breaks out on outer island during Taiwanese artillery drill
(Facebook, reporter.taiwan photo)

Fire breaks out on outer island during Taiwanese artillery drill
(Facebook, reporter.taiwan photo)

Fire breaks out on outer island during Taiwanese artillery drill
(Facebook, 東引香格里拉休閒民宿 photo)

Fire breaks out on outer island during Taiwanese artillery drill
(Facebook, 東引香格里拉休閒民宿 photo)