A heavy oil leak sparked a night-time fire at the state oil company's Dalin refinery in Kaohsiung, fouling the air across three districts and exposing the company to a heavy fine.

• A pump at the plant's No. 11 distillation unit leaked heavy oil and caught fire, sending up black smoke and soot.
• Environmental officials blamed poor management and plan to fine the plant between NT$100,000 and NT$5 million under clean-air rules.
• The blaze was put out late in the evening with no injuries.
• Southerly winds pushed the smoke north over the Fengshan, Siaogang and Niaosong areas, and residents were told to shut their windows if they smelled anything.

Outlook: The air alert should lift once the smoke clears, but the plant now faces a penalty ruling and closer scrutiny of its safety upkeep.