Tainan, Taiwan — February 10, 2026
A fire broke out on Tuesday evening at a metal processing factory in Shanshang District, Tainan, but was quickly brought under control thanks to an automatic alarm system, prompt employee evacuation, and an early response by both factory staff and firefighters. No injuries were reported, and the incident was described by authorities as a close call.
According to the Tainan City Fire Bureau, the factory’s fire alarm and public address system activated immediately after the blaze started, allowing employees to evacuate the premises without delay. The factory’s负责人 (person in charge) also used fire extinguishers to suppress the flames during the initial stage.
Firefighters received the emergency call and dispatched units from the Fourth Firefighting and Rescue Brigade, including teams from Shanshang, Danei, Southern Taiwan Science Park, Xinshi, and Shanhua. A total of 14 fire engines and 23 personnel were mobilized to the scene. Upon arrival, crews found heavy smoke coming from an area behind the factory’s office building and launched a full firefighting operation.
After taking over from factory staff, firefighters extinguished the remaining fire and carried out smoke extraction inside the building. Emergency medical personnel provided oxygen and monitored vital signs of those on site as a precaution, but no one required hospital treatment.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire was caused by a lithium battery used in a power drill that ignited while charging. Fire officials noted that the early use of fire extinguishers played a critical role in preventing the situation from escalating into a larger disaster.
Tsai Kuo-bao, head of the Fourth Firefighting and Rescue Brigade, emphasized that prevention is more effective than rescue. He said regular inspections of fire safety equipment and proper self-management by facilities can help contain fires at an early stage and reduce potential losses.
Fire Bureau Director Yang Tsung-lin also highlighted the importance of routine fire prevention management and safety education within workplaces. He said such measures improve employees’ ability to respond during the initial moments of an emergency, helping minimize casualties and property damage and reinforcing the principle that prevention is the best form of protection.