Taipei: A fire that burned down approximately 4.5 hectares of vegetation in Taipei’s Yangmingshan could require about a year for recovery, according to a Ministry of the Interior (MOI) official. The blaze, which erupted around 11:16 a.m. on April 14 near the Xiaoyoukeng Recreation Area, persisted for about five hours and scorched some 32 hectares before being extinguished at 4:32 p.m. Fortunately, no deaths or injuries were reported.

According to Focus Taiwan, the fire destroyed silvergrass and parts of the Yangmingshan National Park’s arrow bamboo forest. Wang Cheng-chi, head of the MOI’s National Park Service, indicated that the vegetation might take a year to recover since their roots remained unaffected. The fire was likely triggered by air quality monitoring equipment belonging to the National Science and Technology Council installed at the site.

In addition to the burned vegetation, various amenities such as ropes, sand-filled barriers, and several wooden posts along the forest trail were damaged. The total estimated damage ranges between NT$1.7 million (US$52,260) and NT$1.8 million, Wang stated, noting that a compensation claim will be pursued once the investigation is complete.

The components of the air quality monitoring equipment, specifically the lithium battery module and sensor, which allegedly sparked the fire, are currently under analysis. The results of this analysis are expected by April 28, according to National Fire Agency Director-General Hsiao Huan-chang. Taipei police and prosecutors will review these results before finalizing a report within the next 15 to 30 days.

The MOI also mentioned that the National Park Service will continue working with the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency, firefighting units, and experts to enhance forest-fire early warning systems, conduct joint drills, and carry out disaster-prevention education.