Hualien City Night Fire: Loyal Dog 'Laifu' Alerts Owner to Escape

By Central News Agency reporter Li Hsien-feng, Hualien, July 14

A fire erupted last night near Chongqing Market in Hualien City. The blaze smoldered through interconnected iron-sheet buildings, and firefighters battled the flames until early this morning to bring it under control. The affected Lin woman said she was awakened from her sleep by her beloved dog 'Laifu', who scratched and banged at the door, allowing her to escape. Amid the chaos, the dog disappeared, but after a night of prayers, she was finally reunited with her pet.

Hualien County Fire Bureau dispatched multiple units—including Hualien, Ziqiang, Renli, Meilun, Beipu, and Special Search—to the scene after receiving emergency calls late last night. The area around Chongqing Market is densely packed with iron-sheet row buildings filled with clutter, making firefighting extremely difficult. Flames and thick smoke shot upward, and with a gas station nearby, the situation raised serious concerns. A large crowd gathered at the scene to watch the operation.

Lin Wu-cheng, Captain of the First Battalion of Hualien County Fire Bureau, said the fire occurred at Lane 462, Chongqing Road, Hualien City. Due to the iron-sheet row structure, the fire spread rapidly, posing significant challenges to firefighters. Fortunately, the blaze was contained by early morning, and crews continued extinguishing residual fires. Initial assessments indicate two households were primarily affected. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the fire investigation unit.

The Lin woman, who escaped the fire, said she was awakened by her dog 'Laifu', who persistently scratched and banged at the door while barking. By the time she awoke, smoke had already filled the room. As she rushed outside, her other dog 'Abao' escaped with her, but 'Laifu' vanished in the confusion.

As firefighters worked frantically, the woman stood nearby, visibly anxious and tearful, praying for her dog’s safe return. After an agonizing night, 'Laifu' was found the next morning near the market, suffering only minor leg injuries. The dog wagged its tail and affectionately leaned against its owner. (Editor: Long Bo-an) 1150714