Reducing Fire Risk: Keelung Installs Automatic Gas Stove Shut-off Devices for Vulnerable Populations

(CNA reporter Shen Ruofeng Keelung, June 18) To reduce kitchen fires caused by cooking accidents, the Keelung City Government announced today the launch of the "Subsidy Program for Installing Automatic Gas Stove Shut-off Devices." The plan is to allocate an annual budget from this year until 2030 to provide free installation for elderly individuals living alone and low-income families.

The Keelung City Fire Department stated today that according to statistics, from 2019 to the end of 2025, "stove cooking" accounted for 171 incidents among the causes of fires in Keelung, ranking second only to electrical factors. To implement the Ministry of the Interior's "Residential Fire Prevention Countermeasures 2.0," this program has been specifically established. By adding automatic shut-off devices, gas stoves can be automatically turned off after a set time, preventing kitchen fires before they occur.

Keelung City Fire Department Chief You Jiayi pointed out that this program will be implemented over five years starting this year, with one automatic shut-off device installed free of charge per household. This year, priority will be given to registered elderly individuals living alone aged 75 and above. If there are remaining units, the age requirement will be lowered sequentially. Starting next year, individuals with disabilities and low-income households will be eligible to apply.

The Fire Department added that the winning contractor will schedule appointments by administrative district and send uniformed personnel with identification to the homes to install the devices and instruct the elderly on how to use them. There will be no charge, and no personal financial account information will be required. (Editor: Li Hengshan) 1150618

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