A fire at an empty lot in Tainan's Annan District damaged nearby homes, and the city is now hauling away the wreckage — bad for the affected residents, but cleanup is moving fast.

• The fire broke out around 1 a.m. on an empty lot where waste appeared to be piled up, and flames spread to neighboring houses.
• Damaged homes were left with broken glass, aluminum window frames, ceiling panels and ruined furniture.
• The city sent 14 cleanup workers and trucks, hauling away 3 tonnes of debris so far, with more crews to follow if needed.
• Police and fire investigators are looking into who dumped the waste there; anyone found breaking waste disposal law could face criminal charges.
• The site has been covered with soil to stop it reigniting, and people downwind are advised to stay indoors, wear masks and keep windows shut if they smell smoke.

Outlook: Cleanup will continue for several more days while the investigation into the illegal dumping determines who pays.