TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A fire broke out at Miaoli’s Xishan landfill at 4 a.m. on Sunday (July 7).
The Miaoli County Government Fire Department dispatched firefighters and fire trucks. Excavators and water lines had minimal effect, so backup support was called in from the National Airborne Service Corps (NASC), per CNA.
Cheng Sheng-feng (鄭勝峰), Miaoli County Fire Department First Fire Control and Rescue Group captain, said about one hectare was burned. He added that woods bordering the landfill to the south were under threat due to many mattresses and flammable materials piled up.
Cheng said helicopter support was called in because personnel could not reach the south side to extinguish the fire. A helicopter from the NASC was called in to water-bomb the fire. Cheng said the lack of freshwater supply at the site meant seawater was used.
As of 9:50 a.m. on Sunday, firefighters, police, and volunteer firemen were trying to contain the fire. The Miaoli County Government Fire Department also advised on Facebook that people close windows and choose alternative traffic routes to avoid coming into contact with smoke from the landfill fire.
A fire also broke out at the Xishan landfill in Miaoli City in November last year.