A pile of illegally dumped industrial waste in Tainan's Annan District caught fire and blew up repeatedly overnight, hurting 15 people and wrecking or damaging dozens of homes.

• The fire started as a small blaze on an empty lot but exploded when heavy rain hit magnesium and aluminum scrap stored there.
• Flames shot as high as a ten-story building, setting 11 homes on fire and damaging 57 more nearby.
• Twelve residents and three firefighters were hurt; cars, eight fire trucks and an ambulance were burned.
• Officials say a 30-year-old man arranged for a Kaohsiung businessman to dump the waste there illegally; the businessman is believed to be abroad.
• Tainan's mayor is bringing in lawyers to help residents seek compensation and to pursue those responsible.

Outlook: Expect charges under Taiwan's waste disposal law and a wider crackdown on illegal dumping sites near homes.