By Katrina, Assistant Editor at The News Lens. December 4, 2025.
KAOHSIUNG / TAINAN — A massive fire at the Wushulin temporary waste site (烏樹林暫置場) in Houbi District (後壁區), Tainan, has been extinguished after burning for 13 days, prompting a public apology from city officials and renewed scrutiny of post-disaster waste management practices across southern Taiwan.
The site, originally Navy-owned land, has held more than 250,000 metric tons of storm debris since Typhoon Danas (丹娜絲颱風) struck in July. A fire broke out on the night of Nov. 21 and quickly sank into a deep smolder because of the sheer volume and compacted nature of the mixed waste. Firefighters from across Tainan were rotated in 24-hour shifts, supported by drones, heavy machinery, mobile water cannons, and firefighting robots. According to official figures, 463 personnel, 178 vehicle deployments, and 38 drone sorties were involved. The fire was declared fully extinguished late on Dec. 3.
Environment Minister Peng Chih-ming (彭啓明) said during a site inspection that insufficient sorting of storm debris and prolonged accumulation were major underlying factors. The central government has asked agencies to propose clearer standards within three months, including limits on land use, pile height, and classification.
At a city press conference on Dec. 4, officials apologized to residents affected by smoke and disruptions. Acting Environmental Protection Bureau Director Hsu Jen-tse (許仁澤) outlined three areas of follow-up: debris clearing, environmental monitoring, and on-site patrols. Soil and water testing is ongoing, with sampling at multiple downstream points along the Chianan Irrigation Canal (嘉南大圳). Authorities say air-quality monitoring began immediately after the fire, with 24-hour surveillance and publicly released data.
Officials also rejected online rumors suggesting arson. Hsu said the fire originated deep within the waste mound, consistent with a classic sub-surface smoldering event. Fire Department assessments likewise found no evidence of external ignition, and investigators have ruled out deliberate setting.
Responding to criticism that the initial response was too slow, the city said high piles, unstable footing, and restricted access required a cautious approach to protect personnel. Fire crews, environmental staff, and machine operators worked around the clock, gradually breaking apart burned sections to cool internal hotspots.
City leaders acknowledged the broader problem of disaster debris management. With major weather events becoming more frequent, temporary waste sites across Taiwan face similar pressures. Tainan City Government (台南市政府) says it will consult with the central government on establishing clearer rules for siting, storage, and long-term management to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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