Restaurant fire response began after a blaze broke out at Inparadise buffet restaurant on the 46th floor of Breeze Xin Yi department store in Taipei’s Xinyi District. The Taipei Fire Department received the report at 11:26 am today. The department dispatched 67 personnel, 17 fire engines, five ambulances, and four command vehicles to the scene. Firefighters evacuated 312 people, including 159 men and 153 women, from the premises.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze completely by 11:45 am. The quick action prevented the fire from spreading to other areas. Initial investigations suggest the fire started in the kitchen’s exhaust duct. Thick smoke filled the restaurant as a result. The fire burned an area of about 5 square meters. It damaged a stove and nearby items.
Five people went to the hospital following the incident. Three men and two women required medical attention. Four of them were restaurant employees who sustained mild smoke inhalation. They remained conscious throughout the ordeal. One visitor to the mall was hospitalized after feeling unwell.
The Taipei Fire Department urged restaurant operators to regularly inspect kitchen equipment and exhaust pipes. Owners must ensure that fire safety mechanisms function properly. In the event of a fire, people should immediately call 119 and follow instructions to safely evacuate.
The Breeze Xin Yi department store resumed normal operations after the incident. However, the restaurant remains closed pending further safety inspections. Fire officials praised the evacuation procedures and staff cooperation. Consequently, the five hospitalized individuals are expected to recover fully. The Taipei Fire Department will likely increase inspections of similar establishments following this incident. Thus, restaurant owners across the city should review their own safety protocols. The restaurant fire response highlighted the effectiveness of Taipei’s emergency services. Quick evacuation prevented any serious injuries or fatalities.
