Last Updated on 2025 年 4 月 14 日 by 総合編集組
Yangmingshan Fire 2025: A Detailed Look at the Small Oil Pit Blaze and Its Impact
On April 14, 2025, a sudden wildfire erupted in the Small Oil Pit area of Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei, transforming a serene morning into a scene of urgency. Thick white smoke billowed from the hills, prompting the closure of the iconic Seven Star Mountain Trail and a swift response from 72 firefighters. This article summarizes the incident, from its suspected cause to the rescue efforts and broader implications, offering a glimpse into Taipei’s cherished natural gem under crisis.
The Outbreak: A Morning of Alarm
At 11:17 a.m., Taipei City Fire Department received a distress call reporting flames near Small Oil Pit, a volcanic landscape in Yangmingshan. The fire, initially covering 100 square meters, rapidly expanded to 250 square meters, fueled by dry weather and strong winds. Firefighters deployed 21 vehicles, including 16 fire trucks, four command units, and one ambulance, racing against time as smoke obscured the Seven Star Mountain. Drones buzzed overhead, capturing aerial footage to aid strategic planning, while the fire’s intensity forced authorities to act decisively to protect lives and land.
Suspected Cause: A Technological Misstep?
Early investigations point to an air quality sensor, part of a public IoT project by Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council, as the possible ignition source. Stationed to monitor environmental data, the device may have malfunctioned, sparking flames in the dry bamboo groves and grasses. Yangmingshan’s volcanic terrain, with its sulfur vents and sparse vegetation, amplified the fire’s spread. While the exact cause awaits confirmation, this incident raises questions about the safety of deploying tech in such volatile environments, urging a review of installation protocols.
Emergency Measures: Trail Closures and Evacuations
To prioritize safety, Yangmingshan National Park authorities sealed off the Seven Star Mountain Trail from the Small Oil Pit entrance and closed the adjacent parking lot. Public buses skipped the Small Oil Pit stop, and park staff urged hikers to evacuate promptly under ranger guidance. Social media posts from the park reinforced the message: avoid the area and steer clear of smoke. These measures ensured no injuries were reported, though the disruption left many hikers rerouting plans to other trails like Lengshuikeng or Qingtiangang.
Firefighting Challenges: Nature’s Resistance
The firefighting effort faced formidable obstacles. Yangmingshan’s rugged slopes complicated access, forcing crews to extend water lines over long distances. Limited natural water sources meant reliance on trucked-in supplies, slowing progress. As winds fanned the flames toward another ridge, Taipei requested aerial support from the National Fire Agency. New Taipei City sent additional manpower, bolstering the operation. The use of a drone for real-time imaging highlighted technology’s role in modern firefighting, even as the blaze tested the team’s endurance.
Community and Official Response
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an took to social media, assuring residents that the fire department was fully mobilized and the Environmental Protection Bureau was monitoring air quality. Local councilor Chang Szu-kang shared vivid footage, advising downwind communities to stay indoors and wear masks. The public’s concern was palpable, with online discussions praising the firefighters’ bravery while debating the fire’s ecological toll. Fortunately, livestock at nearby Qingtiangang remained unaffected, easing some worries about the park’s wildlife.
Looking Ahead: Lessons from the Flames
The Small Oil Pit fire underscores Yangmingshan’s vulnerability. Its volcanic soil and seasonal dryness demand robust fire prevention, from better water infrastructure to stricter equipment checks. For visitors, the incident is a reminder to respect trail rules—no open flames, no littering—to preserve this ecological treasure. While the Seven Star trail is closed, Yangmingshan’s other paths, like Zhuzihu’s calla lily fields, beckon explorers. As Taipei recovers, the collective resolve to protect Yangmingshan shines through, ensuring its trails will reopen to welcome all.
This summary captures the urgency and unity surrounding the Yangmingshan fire, blending facts with insights to engage global readers curious about Taipei’s natural wonders and resilience.
