Yangmingshan Blaze: Is a Solar-Powered Sensor to Blame?

Taiwan Investigates Air Quality Sensor's Potential Role in Devastating Mountain Fire.

Taipei, Taiwan – A significant fire on Taipei's iconic Yangmingshan mountain, which broke out on Monday, has prompted an investigation into a potentially unexpected cause: a government-operated air quality sensor. Officials are working to determine whether the solar-powered device may have sparked the blaze.

National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Minister Wu Cheng-wen (吳誠文) expressed his "deep regrets" regarding the damage caused by the fire. The NSTC has pledged full cooperation with investigators seeking to pinpoint the source of the fire. This includes an internal investigation within the NSTC and a directive for all affiliated agencies to thoroughly inspect their research equipment to prevent future incidents.

The Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters initially raised the possibility that a state-run air quality sensor may have initiated the fire. The fire, which began near the Xiaoyoukeng Recreation Area around 11:16 a.m. on Monday, burned for approximately five hours, consuming roughly 32 hectares before being brought under control at 4:32 p.m. Thankfully, there were no reported casualties.

The National Institutes for Applied Research (NIAR), an agency under the NSTC, confirmed that its National Center for High-Performance Computing operated a sensor in the affected area. This sensor was part of a project monitoring gas emissions and air quality near the Tatun Volcano Group. The NIAR stated the solar-powered device was installed in compliance with all relevant regulations by a contracted company, emphasizing that a formal fire investigation will be required to definitively establish the cause of the blaze.

In the wake of the fire, the hiking trail leading from the Xiaoyoukeng Trail Entrance to Qixing Mountain's main peak will remain closed until thorough safety inspections are completed, as announced by the Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters.