Fire Destroys Three Cars in Hsinchu Xinpu Metal Garage, Source Identified Quickly

A fire broke out at a metal‑sheet garage near Baozhong Road in Xinpu Township, Hsinchu County, at around noon on the 12th of this month. According to the Central News Agency, three cars parked inside the garage were engulfed by the flames. Firefighters entered the scene promptly and, after about 40 minutes of extinguishing work, succeeded in putting out the fire. Although the garage’s structure was made of metal sheeting, the incident caused no injuries; damage was limited to the vehicles and portions of the garage facilities.

Xinpu Township is primarily agricultural with some small‑scale industry. Metal‑sheet garages are popular among vehicle owners and small businesses because of their low construction cost and ease of assembly, serving as common parking and storage sites. In recent years, similar structures have experienced fires caused by electrical short circuits, fuel leaks, or improper lighting installations. While the local fire department has stepped up inspections and safety education for such buildings, many garages still fall short of fire‑code requirements for fire‑suppression equipment and ventilation.

After receiving the report, fire crews arrived on the scene within roughly 15 minutes. They first blocked nearby roads to protect pedestrians and traffic, then employed handheld extinguishers and high‑pressure water hoses from fire trucks to combat the blaze. Because the garage’s construction was relatively simple, firefighters were able to isolate the fire source quickly and achieve full control within 40 minutes. Police coordinated the on‑site order and later assisted the affected vehicle owners with loss assessments.

The fire severely damaged the three vehicles, with estimated economic losses amounting to several hundred thousand New Taiwan dollars. The owners, who had both vehicle and garage insurance, expressed concern over the emotional and financial strain caused by the sudden fire. Community residents also voiced broader worries about the safety of metal‑sheet garages and called on the local government to strengthen safety inspections and provide subsidies for upgrades.

In response to the incident, the local government and fire bureau said they will review fire‑safety standards for all metal‑sheet garages in Xinpu Township and consider establishing stricter construction and maintenance regulations. The aim is to reduce the risk of future fires and to raise public awareness of fire safety and self‑protection. Combining community education with government subsidies could, they hope, effectively improve fire‑prevention measures and management practices for such structures.

(Source: Central News Agency)