Due to factors like production processes, equipment functions, raw material storage, and the layout of the premises, factories are high-risk environments. In the event of a fire, it can spread quickly, possibly resulting in chemical spills, explosions, structural collapses, and other severe hazards. The damage could be as mild as substantial property loss or as severe as injuries or fatalities, and it significantly endangers firefighting efforts. Therefore, understanding the potential scenarios of factory fires and learning effective rescue techniques will help improve safety management awareness and further ensure the safety of firefighting personnel during disaster response.
The Fire Bureau analyzed 140 factory fires that occurred in Taichung City over the past three years (2022-2024) and identified the following characteristics of fire origins, causes, and industry types: (1) Fire Origin: The most common fire origin was the work area, accounting for 75 cases (53.57%). Warehouses followed with 11 cases (7.86%), and offices ranked third with 9 cases (6.43%). (2) Fire Cause: Electrical issues were the leading cause, accounting for 72 cases (51.43%). Discarded cigarette butts and residual flames were the second most common cause, accounting for 23 cases (16.43%), and mechanical equipment was the third second most common cause, accounting for 19 cases (13.57%). (3) Industry Type: Manufacturing had the highest fire occurrence, with 76 cases (54.29%), covering industries such as metal equipment and parts, plastic goods, food, and wooden products. Machinery and equipment-related businesses followed with 19 cases (13.57%), while both auto repair shops and tech companies tied for third, each with 5 cases (3.57%). (4) It’s worth noting that of the 140 factory fires in the past three years, at least 20 (14.3%) involved live-work factories, where living and work spaces were combined.
According to Director Sun Fu-you, most factory fires start in work areas, with electrical issues being the leading cause. He urges workers to check machinery and electrical systems before leaving. If no one remains on-site, all equipment should be shut down. Routine maintenance, inspections, and repairs of factory equipment and wiring are crucial to preventing accidents. Meanwhile, at live-work factories—where living quarters are often located on upper floors, mezzanines, or corners—evacuation is difficult in an emergency due to the lack of proper zoning. To address this, there should be at least two separate escape routes in different directions, and pathways must always remain unobstructed. Additionally, strict adherence to the Standard for Installation of Fire Safety Devices based on Use and Occupancy is essential, including installing proper fire safety equipment and residential fire alarms to detect fires early and facilitate timely emergency response.
The director also reminds that under the Fire Services Act, in the event of a fire at a factory, warehouse or storage site storing chemicals, or at a laboratory or warehouse of a certain scale or larger, the administrator must assign personnel to assist with firefighting and provide the floor plan of the site and necessary information for the rescue. Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to NT$10 million. Moreover, if fire safety equipment is not set up or maintained as required, and the fire causes injuries or fatalities, the responsible party could face a prison sentence of up to seven years. Therefore, the responsible person and the discretionary administrator of such sites must take these regulations seriously.
The Fire Bureau noted that firefighters on the frontlines of factory fires face numerous risks when responding to factory fires, such as disorganized pathways of the site, limited visibility, potential leaks of dangerous substances, and structural damage. Despite wearing heavy protective gear like fire suits, helmets, and boots, incidents of injury and death among firefighters still occur during factory fire rescues. Therefore, tactical decisions should be made with great care. It's more important to do it right than to do it fast.
Lastly, the Fire Bureau reiterated the importance of factory owners and employees thoroughly implementing fire prevention management, ensuring that fire safety equipment is complete and regularly maintained, and establishing well-organized emergency plans and escape routes to minimize fire risks. The bureau is also committed to continuously upgrading their equipment and refining rescue strategies to ensure effective factory fire response, protect lives and property, and ensure the safety of firefighting personnel during rescue operations.