Huge warehouse fire produces volcano-like plume seen up to 20 kilometers away

A fire at a logistics center belonging to one of the largest supermarket chains in Taiwan destroyed more than 66,000 square meters, and produced a plume of smoke that could be seen as far as 20 kilometers away, Monday, March 14.

The Taoyuan City Fire Department received reports about a fire at the Carrefour Yangmei Logistics Distribution Center in Yangmei Youshi Industrial Park at 7:33 am. TCFD dispatched 35 vehicles and 73 personnel to the scene of the fire. The fire was brought under control at 9:10 am, and extinguished at 1:10 pm.

The fire destroyed more than 66,000 square meters, or around 16 acres of the approximately 120,000-square-meter facility. The fire was fueled by a large quantity of dry goods, electrical appliances, and other materials in the online shopping section of the facility. Logistics center staff said that the fire started at the rear pallet area.

Carrefour released a statement that said all of the around 100 staff at the logistics center had been evacuated from the building, and there were no reported injuries. The company also said that the fire will not affect the operations of its supermarkets.

People in Zhongli District and Pingzhen District reported large flakes of soot falling like black snow, while the smoke plume could be seen around 20 kilometers away.

The Taoyuan Department of Environmental Protection said that it will fine Carrefour NT$100,000 (US$3,507) to NT$5 million for the resulting environmental pollution.

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