A fire that broke out yesterday north of the Jhihben River (知本溪) estuary in Taitung has destroyed more than 50 hectares, with firefighters unable to extinguish the blaze.
The fire broke out in an undeveloped area north of the Jhihben River estuary at about 5pm yesterday and spread fast, fueled by dry weeds, dead wood and strong winds off the coast.
When the Taitung County Fire Department arrived, the area was already engulfed in flames, authorities said.
Photo: CNA
Firefighters tried to put out the fire with hoses, but it had spread too far and they were unable to enter the fire zone, authorities said, adding that they created firebreaks around the perimeter while volunteer firefighters entered the forest from small paths to spray water on the flames.
Last night, the fire was visible up to 10km away in Taitung City, with the sky glowing red.
The Taitung County Environmental Protection Bureau last night issued an air pollution alert, saying that downwind areas might be affected by smoke and that air quality in Taitung City would be impacted.
Residents in downwind areas should stay indoors as much as possible, keep their doors and windows tightly closed and wear a mask when outside, the bureau said.
The fire was still burning as of 8am this morning and more than 50 hectares were estimated to have been destroyed, the fire department said.
The fire was still spreading and its cause was under investigation, the fire department and police said.
The 300-hectare area north of the Jhihben River estuary was once planned for private development and later for a solar panel project, but both fell through, leaving the largely undeveloped land a natural wildlife habitat.
Fires often break out in the area around this time of year, and some people have asked online whether they are set deliberately.
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