The fire at Tianwaitian Cemetery in Keelung burned for nearly 20 hours. The mayor said he would be held responsible and seek compensation.

A fire broke out yesterday at the Tianwaitian Cemetery in Keelung City, causing serious air pollution in the three surrounding districts. Keelung City Councilor Chen Mingjian, a non-party member, became a public mouthpiece today and asked the city government whether it is possible to compensate citizens? (Photo by reporter Yu Zhaofu)

More than 1,700 recycled mattresses in the temporary storage area of Tianwaitian Landfill in Keelung City caught fire for unknown reasons yesterday (30th) afternoon. The fire was fierce and controlled for 5 hours. However, the fire raged for nearly 20 hours and was completely extinguished at 8 a.m. today (1st). Due to the unpredictable wind direction, the smoke and stench caused by the fire caused people to smell the strong stench of plastic all night long. It was still difficult to bear with the windows closed and wearing masks. Members demanded heavy fines for manufacturers and the establishment of a compensation mechanism. Keelung Mayor Xie Guoliang responded to inquiries and said that the outsourced manufacturer was likely to have made errors in on-site operations, and the city government would be held accountable. It planned to impose a fine of up to 5 million yuan for violating the air pollution law and propose damages.

Non-party member Chen Mingjian said during a question today that the Tianwaitian Landfill burned from 13:30 on September 30 to this morning for nearly 20 hours before it was completely extinguished. Many districts in Keelung City were filled with the stench of plastic and the air was seriously polluted, causing many citizens to feel uncomfortable when they kowtow. He asked the city government to establish a damage compensation mechanism and take appropriate punishments.

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Xie Guoliang said that because air pollution has a far-reaching impact and all citizens are affected, he held a video conference with the Environmental Protection Bureau and the Fire Bureau last night to discuss the follow-up treatment. He will hold the manufacturer responsible for the relevant responsibilities. The mattress recycling is outsourced to the manufacturer for on-site operations. It is very likely that there are some errors, but professional judgment is required. If the error is confirmed, a bill will be issued for violating the air pollution law, with a maximum fine of 5 million yuan. In addition to being held accountable, the manufacturer will also be compensated for damages. After the general questioning this afternoon, he will go to the Fire Station and Environmental Protection Bureau to express condolences to the hardworking colleagues.

Xie Guoliang said that the city government will spend more time identifying the suggestions put forward by Councilor Chen Mingjian, and thanked the Councilor for caring about the health of citizens and the air quality of Keelung City.

Ma Zhonghao, director of environmental protection of the Keelung City Government, said that the city government has a contract with the manufacturer and will compensate the manufacturer for damages in accordance with the contract. Secondly, the fire caused serious air pollution in Keelung City, and relevant actions can be punished after the relevant report is released.

A fire broke out yesterday at the Tianwaitian Landfill in Keelung City, causing serious air pollution in the three surrounding districts. Keelung City Councilor Chen Mingjian, who is not a party member, asked whether the city government will compensate citizens? Keelung Mayor Xie Guoliang responded. (Photo by reporter Yu Zhaofu)