TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taichung branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency said it installed seven forest fire sensors within its jurisdiction.

The sensors integrate data from the Central Weather Administration with a geographic information system to calculate the Fire Weather Index value, the branch said. This allows authorities to track potential forest-fire risks in different areas in real time. 

The analysis results are published online through the Forest Fire Risk Assessment System, which the public can access to look up real-time forest fire meteorological indicators across Taiwan.

Automatic display screens showing forest-fire danger levels have also been installed at several key entry points to mountainous areas, including the Shuangqi Work Station in Dongshi District, the entrance to Aofeng Mountain Park in Qingshui, the Dutong Bridge head in Guguan, Daxueshan National Forest Recreation Area, the Lishan gas station, and the Wuling Conservation Station. 

This allows visitors to check the local forest-fire risk level before heading into the mountains, the Taichung branch said. The branch said forest-fire danger is displayed using a five-level color alert system: green (safe), blue (caution), yellow (warning), orange (danger), and red (extreme danger).

The Taichung branch reminded the public not to start fires arbitrarily, noting that violations may be fined up to NT$600,000 (US$19,098). If a forest fire is spotted, people should immediately call 0800-000930 or 119 to report it.