October 4, 2025 | Hualien County, Taiwan
A large fire broke out this afternoon at the rear warehouse of the well-known 199 Supermarket located opposite the Dusk Market in Ji’an Township, Hualien County. Thick black smoke and roaring flames filled the air as the blaze quickly spread, prompting an extensive firefighting operation.
Authorities said the incident began around 3:00 p.m. at the 199 Hardware Department Store and a nearby furniture warehouse on Jixing 1st Street. Witnesses reported hearing several explosions, believed to be caused by butane gas canisters and charcoal supplies that had been stocked in preparation for the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. Some of the gas canisters were even blown onto the road by the force of the explosions, alarming nearby residents.
The Hualien County Fire Department deployed 18 fire engines and more than 70 emergency personnel and volunteers to combat the blaze. In addition to water cannons, small tracked fire trucks were sent into narrow alleys to contain the flames. The fire was finally brought under control by 4:20 p.m., covering an estimated 2,000 square meters of burned area.
Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported. Ji’an Township Mayor You Shuzhen arrived at the scene to assess the situation and confirmed that all employees had safely evacuated before the fire spread. She urged the public to stay away from the area for their safety and to avoid inhaling potentially harmful fumes.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by fire authorities.