Illegal fireworks makers in Chiayi County are camouflaging their operations as pig farms and other businesses, hampering firefighters investigating the illicit trade after a blast at one factory killed six people and injured four, officials said yesterday.
Authorities ordered a crackdown on the illegal plants after Monday's blast at a factory hidden in a former pig farm just 50m from an elementary school.
It blew out windows in the school, which was empty at the time.
"The illegal factories are difficult to locate. They're using chicken and pig farms and even fish breeding centers as cover," a regional firefighting official told reporters.
He said it was difficult to gain access to private property to search for the factories.
Fireworks are an essential part of Taiwanese celebrations, from temple festivals to store openings. Some of the fireworks are made in illegal workshops to avoid the cost and inconvenience of following regulations.
After Monday's explosion, the only structure still standing was a pigeon cage towering above a field littered with pieces of wood and paper. Inspectors were stepping carefully through the debris, looking for clues to the cause of the explosion.
At nearby Wannei Elementary School, teachers and students were given the day off as workers swept glass from desks and floors.
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