By KHT Staff. Photo: Kaohsiung City Fire Bureau via China Times
KAOHSIUNG — A fire near a cemetery in Meinong District (美濃區) burned for nearly 23 hours before being contained Monday morning, with no injuries reported, according to the Kaohsiung City Fire Bureau.
The blaze broke out at around 11:46 a.m. Sunday, in a wooded area near the Fourth Public Cemetery along Meixing Street (美興街), approximately two hectares of forest were burned. Firefighters deployed 20 units, 40 vehicles, and 72 personnel to contain the fire.
An aerial unit supported operations, with a helicopter conducting multiple water drops totaling about 20 tons. Despite overnight efforts, the fire continued to burn in some areas, with crews maintaining containment lines and ongoing suppression work.
On Monday, additional resources were deployed, including 30 vehicles and further aerial drops. The fire was declared contained at around 10:30 a.m., with crews continuing to cool hotspots to prevent re-ignition.
Authorities said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, though it may be linked to tomb-sweeping activities during the Tomb-Sweeping Day period.
To reduce wildfire risks, officials urged the public to follow fire safety guidelines when burning joss paper and to never set off firecrackers.
Source: China Times, Kaohsiung City Fire Bureau
