Kaohsiung: At least 15 people, including three firefighters, were injured after a fire broke out at a lithium-ion battery cell plant in Kaohsiung early Monday morning. The blaze at Molie Quantum Energy Corp.'s plant in Siaogang District was reported around 5 a.m., prompting the dispatch of 46 fire engines and 91 firefighters, according to the Kaohsiung Fire Bureau.According to Focus Taiwan, the fire is currently under control, with the bureau confirming that 12 of the company's employees suffered abrasions and three firefighters sustained minor burns. All injured individuals have been taken to the hospital for treatment. The cause of the incident is yet to be investigated.TCC Group Holdings Co., the parent company of Molie Quantum Energy, stated that the fire originated in a warehouse storing semi-finished battery products. The plant's automatic sprinkler system was activated immediately to help contain the blaze. The fire was quickly brought under control, and all employees were evacuated. Those injured have since been released from the hospital and returned home.The city's Environmental Protection Bureau issued a statement warning of poor air quality after fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was detected across an area of approximately six kilometers surrounding the plant. Although air quality sensors did not detect any toxic gases or hazardous chemicals, the bureau said the lithium-ion cell plant will be fined between NT$100,000 (US$3,420) and NT$5 million under the Air Pollution Control Act.Due to the PM2.5 pollution and foul odor caused by the fire, nearby residents are advised to stay indoors, keep doors and windows closed, and limit outdoor activities. Meanwhile, Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai ordered the Siaogang plant to cease operations, effective immediately. Chen emphasized that because lithium battery factories handle chemical substances, the highest safety and fire prevention standards must be enforced, and local authorities will pursue full accountability for the incident.The plant is located n ear Kaohsiung International Airport, but the airport stated that its flight operations have not been affected by the smog.