On the Ground in Taichung's Dadu Mountain Fire: Situation Under Control as Rescue Helicopters Make Repeated Water Drops

Yesterday afternoon (13th), another wildfire broke out on Taichung's Dadu Mountain. The fire spread rapidly and intensely. Looking up from the western and southern districts of the city, the entire hillside was shrouded in smoke, with a massive "black dragon" visible even as far away as Changhua County. The NASC immediately deployed its heavy-lift Black Hawk helicopter based 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-Fuelled Flames Keep Firefighters on the Run

The fire started just after 2 PM near the popular "Wanggaoliao" lookout point on Dadu Mountain. Fanned by the wind, flames raced through the dry silvergrass and acacia forests faster than crews could keep up. Ground firefighters quickly laid hoses, but the lack of water sources in the mountainous terrain meant they had to rely on water shuttles from tanker trucks. Narrow access roads further complicated their efforts. It was clear to everyone that air support was crucial in this situation.

The NASC helicopter flew at least a dozen sorties. Each time its powerful rotors thundered over the city, residents knew it was heading for another water run. Watching it skim low over Taichung Harbor before accurately dropping its payload onto the fire below was a truly awe-inspiring sight, a testament to the skill and bravery of the crew.

Local Perspective: A Recurring Problem on Dadu Mountain

"Looking back at this fire," said Mr. Li, a resident of Nantun District for over 40 years, shaking his head, "fires on Dadu Mountain happen almost every year, especially during dry spells like this when there's no rain. A single cigarette butt, or even sunlight focused on a piece of broken glass, can spark a blaze." He recalled major fires in 2005, 2011, and 2019, each requiring a massive mobilisation of resources. The vegetation recovers within months, he noted, but the ecological damage takes much longer to heal.

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

Your Guide to Wildfire Safety: What to Do When a Bushfire Strikes

Many people might not know how to protect themselves when a large-scale wildfire like this occurs. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• Close windows and doors, and turn on air purifiers: The fine particles in the smoke are harmful to your respiratory system. The elderly, children, and those with asthma should 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 is effective at filtering out most of the smoke and ash.
• Avoid roads near the fire zone: Roads around Dadu Mountain, such as Huanan Road, Youyuan Road, and Zhongtai Road, may be closed for emergency access. Motorists should find alternative routes and refrain from gathering to watch, as this can hinder firefighting efforts.
• Stay off the trails: Dadu Mountain is a popular spot for cycling and hiking. In the days following a fire, there's a risk of smouldering hotspots and unstable ground. Don't risk going up there.

Lessons Learned: Moving Beyond the Disaster

Some might jokingly ask, "What good can come from a wildfire?" The point isn't to exploit a disaster, but to learn from it. Long-time Taichung residents often describe the Dadu Mountain foothills as the city's lungs. When fire ravages that area, the whole city feels it.

Instead of relying solely on the heroic efforts of firefighters each time, we should focus on prevention. This means the Forestry Bureau and Fire Department should diligently clear firebreaks before the dry season each year, and even consider controlled burns to safely reduce fuel loads like dry brush and leaves, preventing future fires from becoming so intense. Furthermore, strictly enforcing bans on littering cigarette butts and illegally burning waste is fundamental to stopping human-caused fires. This fire burned more than just trees; it was a stark warning about our preparedness.

As of this morning (14th), the main fire is largely under control, but firefighters remain on site monitoring for any hotspots that could reignite. Seeing the helicopter finally land and rest, we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief. Here's hoping the hillside recovers quickly and is lush and green once again.