Taichung's Dadu Mountain Fire: On-site Coverage – Blaze Contained as Air Force Helicopters Make Drops

Yesterday afternoon (13th), another fierce wildfire broke out on Dadu Mountain in Taichung. The fire spread rapidly. Looking up from the western and southern districts of the city, the entire hillside was shrouded in thick smoke. The plume was so massive it was visible from as far away as Changhua County. The NASC immediately deployed its heavy-lift Black Hawk helicopter based in Taichung. It made repeated trips to Taichung Harbor to collect water, dumping load after load on the fire front in a desperate bid to contain the blaze before nightfall.

On the Scene: Wind Fuels the Flames, Fire Crews Pushed to the Limit

The fire started around 2 PM near the well-known 'Wanggaoliao' lookout on Dadu Mountain. Fanned by the wind, flames raced through the dry silvergrass and acacia forests faster than crews could keep up. Ground teams worked quickly to lay hoses, but the mountainous terrain lacks hydrants, forcing them to rely on water tanker truck relays. The narrow roads made the job incredibly difficult. It was clear to everyone on the ground that air support was critical.

The NASC helicopter flew at least a dozen sorties. Whenever the roar of its engines echoed across the city, residents knew it was on another water run. Watching it swoop low over Taichung Harbor, then precisely drop its payload of water onto the heart of the fire from above – it was a powerful sight that commanded respect for the crews.

A Local's Perspective: A Fire on Dadu Mountain Isn't a First, and Won't Be the Last

Mr. Li, a resident of Nantun District for over 40 years, shook his head. "If you look back at the history of fires here, Dadu Mountain burns almost every single year," he said. "Especially during dry spells like this when there's been no rain, one careless cigarette butt, or even sunlight focused through a piece of broken glass, can start a fire." He recalls major fires in 2005, 2011, and 2019. Each time, significant resources are mobilised. The greenery returns within months, but the ecological damage takes far longer to heal.

While the area burnt this time might be smaller than in previous years, its proximity to the city meant the smoke directly impacted air quality in the Xitun and Nantun districts. Many residents reported smelling smoke in the afternoon, keeping windows shut, and some even started coughing. The Environmental Protection Bureau's monitoring vehicles were dispatched, but everyone's main concern was when the fire would be fully extinguished.

Bushfire Guide: What to Do When a Wildfire Strikes Near You

Many people might not know how to protect themselves when a large-scale bushfire like this occurs. Here are a few key points from this simple guide:

• Shut windows and doors, turn on your air purifier: The fine particles in the smoke are harmful to your respiratory system, especially for the elderly, children, and those with asthma. Stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities.
• Wear a mask if you must go out: If you absolutely have to go outside, don't skip the mask. A standard surgical mask can filter out most of the smoke and ash.
• Avoid roads around the fire zone: Roads around Dadu Mountain, including Huanan Road, Youyuan Road, and Zhongtai Road, may be subject to traffic control. Please find alternate routes and avoid gathering to watch, as this hinders emergency operations.
• Stay off the trails: Dadu Mountain is a popular spot for cycling and trail running. In the days following a fire, there's a risk of hidden hotspots and unstable ground. It's crucial not to go hiking or exercising in the area.

Learning from the Fire: A Lesson in Prevention

Some might jokingly ask, "How can we use this fire?" Of course, it's not about exploiting a disaster, but about asking what we can learn from it. Long-time Taichung residents often describe the Dadu Mountain foothills as the city's lungs. When they're under attack, the whole city feels it.

Rather than relying solely on the heroic efforts of firefighters every time, I believe we need to focus on prevention. Before each dry season, the Forestry Bureau and Fire Department should thoroughly clear firebreaks. Implementing controlled, 'prescribed burns' to remove accumulated dry undergrowth and leaf litter could prevent small ignitions from turning into catastrophic blazes. Furthermore, strictly enforcing bans on littering cigarette butts and illegally burning waste is fundamental to stopping human-caused fires. This fire burnt more than just trees; it was a stark warning about our preparedness.

As of this morning (the 14th), the main fire is largely under control, but fire crews remain on-site monitoring for any hotspots that could reignite. Seeing the helicopter finally land for good brings a sense of relief. We hope the landscape can recover quickly, and that when we next look towards the mountain, it will be green once more.