Prevention is better than disaster relief! Following a recent fire in a high-rise residential building in Hsinchu City that resulted in injuries and fatalities, Taichung City Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen has shown great concerns over the disaster response for high-rise buildings. On May 31, Taichung’s Fire Bureau conducted a rescue and evacuation drill at a high-rise residential building in Nantun District, with Deputy Mayor Cheng Chao-hsin overseeing the drill. The drill included 23 fire trucks and 96 participants, and a ladder truck was used to rescue those trapped by smoke on upper floors, aiming for a realistic and comprehensive drill. Through drills involving real people and equipment demonstrations, it is hoped that the safety of Taichung residents can be ensured. “Adapting to the times with comprehensive drills!”
Deputy Mayor Cheng noted that a tragic fire incident occurred in Hsinchu on May 26, resulting in the unfortunate death of firefighters. He expressed deep regret, sorrow, and sadness over the incident. Given the increasing number of high-rise buildings in Taichung and the rapid growth of electric vehicles, the current forms and challenges of disaster response have also increased. Consequently, the city government held a disaster response drill specifically for high-rise buildings today. This drill focused on several key areas: evacuating residents of the building, managing electric vehicle fires in basements, addressing unexpected incidents involving firefighters, and rescuing individuals trapped on upper floors. Through comprehensive drills, it is hoped that the safety of the city's citizens can be ensured.
Deputy Mayor Cheng noted that if people are trapped on a balcony and conditions allow, ladder trucks can quickly assist in their rescue. For those trapped on higher floors or in areas where the terrain prevents ladder trucks from reaching, proper emergency instructions can be given by using the building's PA system. Additionally, drones can be used for their high mobility to monitor the status of those trapped and keep them calm by talking to them through loudspeakers. Deputy Mayor Cheng expressed gratitude to all the firefighters, volunteer firefighters, and citizens who participated in the realistic and comprehensive drill. Emphasizing that prevention is better than disaster relief, he hopes that a rigorous and well-developed disaster prevention mindset will help avoid such incidents in the future.
Deputy Director Yang Yuan-chi of the Fire Bureau noted that the safety of firefighters during rescue operations must be prioritized with the highest standards. To equip Taichung City's firefighters with the necessary vehicles and equipment for effective disaster response, the Fire Bureau has been allocating significant funds annually: around 40 to 50 million NTD from 2019 to 2021, over 70 million NTD in 2022, more than 90 million NTD in 2023, and exceeding 120 million NTD this year. This funding increase highlights the city government's dedication to firefighter safety. For operations involving the rescue of individuals trapped in high-rise buildings, Taichung currently has 24 ladder trucks, including five that reach 50 meters, with plans to acquire a 70-meter ladder truck by 2026.
Deputy Director Yang also highlighted that the Fire Bureau has 11 specialized RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) units. On-site commanders will assemble emergency rescue teams of four or more members, equipping them with necessary gear such as FAST rescue boards, thermal imaging cameras, spare air cylinders and masks, electric breaching tools, search ropes, and rope lights. These teams remain on standby at the command post, ready to enter the fire scene and rescue trapped firefighters as soon as they receive the command.
The Fire Bureau noted that Taichung City is a highly urbanized, densely populated area with over 600 high-rise buildings. The taller the building, the more challenging it is to manage emergencies and conduct rescue operations. Moreover, the rapid development of electric scooters and slow-moving vehicles has added new safety concerns, such as the risks associated with electricity usage and lithium battery fires. These factors make disasters more complex, testing both the initial response of citizens and the safety of frontline firefighters.
The Fire Bureau emphasized the importance of adhering to relevant laws and regulations when installing charging equipment for electric vehicles. These include the “Regulations on Users Installing Electrical Equipment,” “The Electricity Act,” “Taiwan Power Company Business Regulations,” and “Condominium Administration Act Building Administration Division.” In addition, installation should be performed by qualified professionals from certified companies to ensure the safety and quality of the equipment.
The Fire Bureau advised citizens that thick smoke is the primary danger during a fire. Never attempt to move through dense smoke. Use the stairs to evacuate only if the stairwell is clear of smoke. If smoke is present, look for an alternative horizontal escape route or shelter in a safer space with the door closed until firefighters arrive. Making the right decisions and following proper self-rescue procedures are essential for safely escaping a fire.
In today's drill, drones were used to capture how a ladder truck rescues individuals trapped on upper floors. The drill also included scenarios for evacuating building residents and managing electric vehicle fires in basements, aiming to simulate real-life situations in a comprehensive manner. Deputy Mayor Cheng, Taichung City Council members Chu Nuan-ying andn Liu Shih-chou were also present to show their support.