Taoyuan City, Taiwan – July 2, 2025 — A serious fire broke out this afternoon at a barbecue bento shop located on Zhongshan Road near Zhongyuan Road in Taoyuan District, Taoyuan City. The blaze quickly spread from the restaurant to adjacent residential and commercial properties, filling the area with thick black smoke and triggering sporadic explosions.
The Taoyuan City Fire Department responded swiftly after receiving the alarm at around 1:50 p.m., deploying 67 firefighters, 21 fire trucks, and 5 ambulances to combat the flames. The fire occurred just a short distance from the Taoyuan City Government office, prompting heightened concern due to the dense urban surroundings.
Flames Spread to Residences and Businesses
Witnesses reported that the fire originated in the first-floor barbecue shop, which also served as a lunch box (bento) eatery. The upper floors housed a family of four spanning three generations, who were at home when the fire broke out. Led by the grandfather, the family bravely escaped through the smoke and flames, with the father clutching a one-year-old child while shouting, “Save my child first!”
Onlookers quickly stepped in to help, using available water sources to try to reduce the fire’s intensity before firefighters arrived.
Surrounding Structures Also Damaged
The fire did not stay contained to the restaurant. Nearby retail shops and a design company sustained significant damage, with parts of their structures severely burned. Fortunately, the dance studio located on the second floor of the design building was not holding classes at the time, allowing people to evacuate without injury.
Investigation Underway
At the time of reporting, no injuries or trapped persons had been confirmed, and rescue efforts were ongoing. The fire continued to burn through the afternoon, and authorities are now working to determine the cause of the blaze, which remains under investigation.
Community Shocked
Photos from the scene show flames engulfing buildings and plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky. The incident has shaken the local community, as what began as a routine afternoon turned into a chaotic evacuation and emergency operation.
Authorities are urging residents to stay clear of the area and allow emergency responders to conduct their work efficiently. More updates will follow as the investigation progresses.
