Landfill fire spreads pollution over Greater Taipei Districts

A fire at a landfill site in New Taipei City’s Bali District has been burning for more than 30 hours, and foul-smelling smoke has been reported as far away as Zhonghe District.

The fire was first reported at the New Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau landfill site at 7:00 am yesterday, and although flames have been doused, the pile of garbage continues to smolder this afternoon, March 1.

Residents of Luzhou, Linkou, Wanhua, Banqiao, Yonghe, and Zhonghe districts have reported smoke and a foul smell similar to burning plastic. The New Taipei City Fire Department is advising residents in affected areas to keep their windows and doors closed.

The pile of garbage on fire consists mostly of furniture and sundries, according the the EPB. Seventeen firefighting vehicles, and 36 firefighters were dispatched to deal with the fire.

Many residents took to Facebook to discuss the stench, some saying that it made them feel dizzy.

The Environmental Protection Bureau is monitoring air quality around Linkou District.

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