Warehouse Fire in Kaohsiung Industrial Park Emits Black Smoke; City Fines Company NT$5 Million and Orders Work Suspension

(CNA, Reporter Hsueh-Kuang Hung, Kaohsiung, 12th) A factory warehouse in Kaohsiung's Gangshan Hon Chou Industrial Park caught fire this evening, emitting a large amount of black smoke. An investigation by the Environmental Protection Bureau found that suspected improper management on-site led to the combustion of heavy oil and a large number of used FIBCs, causing pollution. The bureau has imposed the maximum fine of NT$5 million and ordered a work suspension.

The Kaohsiung City Government Environmental Protection Bureau's AI cloud monitoring system detected a large amount of black smoke from the Hon Chou Industrial Park at 7:01 PM and immediately dispatched personnel to investigate. The investigation revealed that a fire had broken out in the warehouse area of an industrial company. Heavy oil and a large number of used FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers) stored on-site are suspected to have ignited due to improper management, generating a significant amount of visible particulate pollutants.

In accordance with Article 32 of the Air Pollution Control Act, the Environmental Protection Bureau not only imposed the maximum fine of NT$5 million but also ordered the company to suspend operations.

The Bureau stated that after the fire broke out, it immediately dispatched an air pollution team to monitor air quality. On-site measurements showed that a five-gas detector registered no detection (N.D.), the concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was 4.9 ppm, and the total suspended particulates (TSP) were 0.106 mg/m³.

The Bureau noted that as of 8:30 PM, the prevailing wind direction was southwesterly. Firefighting units were on the scene and continuing to control the blaze. Areas potentially affected by the air quality include Gangshan, Lujhu, and Alian districts. Residents in the vicinity are advised to close their windows, reduce outdoor activities, and wear masks if necessary to lower exposure risk.

The Bureau emphasized that waste treatment and recycling facilities that store large quantities of combustible materials must implement fire prevention management and self-inspection measures to avoid fire incidents and air pollution caused by managerial negligence. The Bureau will strictly enforce the law against any violations causing air pollution and will show no leniency. If the public detects black smoke, strange odors, or other pollution incidents, they can call the 1999 city hotline or the 07-7317600 pollution complaint line. The Bureau will immediately dispatch personnel to investigate and protect the health of citizens and the quality of the environment. (Editor: Jen-Hua Chen) 20260612