On-Site at the Taichung Dadu Mountain Fire: Helicopters Battling Blazes, Situation Under Control

Yesterday afternoon (13th), another wildfire broke out on Dadu Mountain in Taichung. The fire spread rapidly and fiercely. Looking up from the Xitun and Nantun districts, the entire hillside was shrouded in thick smoke, a dark plume visible even from as far away as Changhua County. Upon receiving the report, the NASC immediately deployed its heavy-duty Black Hawk helicopter stationed in Taichung. It made repeated trips, drawing water from Taichung Harbor and dumping it on the blaze, racing against time to bring the fire under control before nightfall.

At the Scene: Wind-whipped Flames Keep Firefighters on the Run

The fire started around 2 PM near the popular 'Wanggaoliao' viewing area on Dadu Mountain. Fanned by the wind, flames raced through the dry silvergrass and acacia forests. Ground crews quickly laid hoses, but the lack of water sources in the mountainous terrain forced them to rely on shuttling water tankers. Narrow roads added to the immense difficulty of the operation. It was clear to everyone that this was a job for aerial support.

The NASC helicopter flew at least a dozen sorties. Each time its powerful roar echoed across the city, residents knew it was on another water run. Watching it fly low over Taichung Harbor, aiming and dropping its payload of water precisely onto the fire below, was a sight that commanded deep respect for these brave crews.

A Local's Perspective: Dadu Mountain Fires Aren't New, and Won't Be the Last

"Looking back at this fire," said Mr. Li, a resident of Nantun for over 40 years, shaking his head, "Dadu Mountain burns almost every year. Especially during dry spells like this, without rain, a single cigarette butt, or even sunlight focused on a piece of glass, can start a blaze." He recalls major fires in 2005, 2011, and 2019. Each time, massive efforts were mobilized to fight them. The greenery returns within months, but the ecological damage takes much longer to heal.

While the area burned this time might be smaller than in previous years, the fire's proximity to the city meant the thick smoke directly impacted air quality in Xitun and Nantun. Many residents reported smelling smoke by afternoon, shutting their windows tightly, and some even started coughing. The Environmental Protection Bureau's monitoring vehicles were rushed out, but the biggest concern on everyone's mind was when the fire would be completely extinguished.

Your Guide to Wildfire Safety: What to Do When a Hillside Burns

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

• Shut windows, turn on air purifiers: The particulate matter in the smoke is harmful to the 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 step outside, don't skip the mask. A standard surgical mask can filter out most of the smoke and ash.
• Avoid roads near the fire zone: Roads around Dadu Mountain, like Huanan Rd., Youyuan Rd., and Zhongtai Rd., may be subject to traffic controls. Please use alternative routes and avoid gathering to watch, as this hinders rescue efforts.
• Stay off the trails: Dadu Mountain is a popular spot for cycling and running. For several days after a fire, hotspots can remain, and the soil becomes unstable. Do not risk going into the hills right now.

Learning from the Incident: How to Prepare for Future Wildfires

Some might jokingly ask, "How can we use this fire?" Of course, we don't mean exploiting the disaster, but rather thinking about what we can learn from it. Long-time Taichung residents often describe the Dadu Mountain foothills as the city's lungs. When they are ravaged by fire, the whole city's 'breathing' is affected.

Instead of relying solely on the heroic efforts of firefighters each time, we should focus on prevention. For instance, every year before the dry season, the Forestry Bureau and Fire Department should diligently clear firebreaks. They could even consider controlled burns to safely remove dry brush and leaves, preventing a future fire from becoming uncontrollable. Furthermore, strictly penalising littering cigarette butts and illegally burning waste is fundamental to stopping human-caused fires. This fire didn't just burn trees; it served as a stark warning about our disaster preparedness.

As of this morning (the 14th), the main fire is largely under control, but firefighters remain on-site monitoring for any re-ignition from hotspots. Seeing the helicopter finally land for rest, we can breathe a collective sigh of relief. Here's hoping the hillside recovers quickly and will be lush and green once more the next time we see it.