Lu Kuan-chen : "Taiwan Pet Shop Fire: 1 Dog Killed, 5 Houses Damaged"

1. Fire at pet shop in Taiwan kills dog
2. Fire at pet shop in Taiwan damages houses.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Taipei, June 23 (CNA) – A devastating fire engulfed a pet store on Zhongshan Road in Hualien City, eastern Taiwan, on Saturday night, resulting in the tragic death of one pet dog and the destruction of five two-story houses. The incident has left the community in shock as investigators work to determine the cause of the blaze.

Details of the Fire Incident

Lu Kuan-chen, a division chief with the Hualien County Fire Department, reported that the fire not only razed the pet store but also spread to four adjacent houses, all of which were two-story structures. The intensity of the flames posed a significant challenge to firefighters, causing extensive damage to the scene and complicating the investigation process.

Despite the efforts of more than 150 personnel and 45 vehicles deployed to combat the fire, the exact cause of the blaze remains unknown due to the extent of the destruction. The fire, which started around 8:53 p.m. on Saturday, was finally brought under control at 11:40 p.m. and fully extinguished by 4 a.m. on Sunday.

Rescue Efforts and Impact

During the firefighting operation, over 20 pet dogs were successfully rescued from the premises, including those belonging to the pet store that bore the brunt of the fire. Tragically, one pet dog lost its life in the blaze, adding to the devastation caused by the incident.

The houses affected by the fire were described as aged structures, with wooden decorations that fuelled the flames and hindered firefighting efforts. The rapid spread of the fire to neighbouring properties exacerbated the situation, leading to the destruction of multiple homes in the area.

Conclusion

The community of Hualien City is now grappling with the aftermath of the fire, mourning the loss of a beloved pet and coming to terms with the destruction of residential properties. As investigators delve into the cause of the blaze, residents and authorities are working together to support those affected by the tragic incident.