Taipei City Government

As the Qingming Festival draws near, to prevent fires from breaking out at cemeteries, Taipei City Fire Department reminds people to heed the 4 don’ts and 2 dos when conducting tomb-sweeping rituals: Don’t burn weeds; don’t discard cigarette butts haphazardly; don’t let the burning joss paper fly away; don’t light firecrackers; do extinguish the ashes; do take your trash with you. When there is a fire, call 119 to report it immediately or notify nearby firefighters.

According to the Fire Department, during the Qingming Festival (March 21-April 5, 2020), firefighters will be dispatched to patrol 32 registered public cemeteries. Meanwhile, the Fire Department and Taipei City Volunteer Fire Brigade will dispatch fire trucks and personnel to stand guard and conduct fire safety promotion at Fude Columbarium, Fude Public Cemetery, and Yangmingshan First Public Cemetery on 8 vacation days (March 21, 22, 28, 29 and April 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8).

At the same time, 2,000 firefighting water bags will be distributed by the firefighters standing guard at Fude Public Cemetery, and Yangmingshan First Public Cemetery for the public to put out ashes. The water bags are reusable, making them safe and eco-friendly.

While remembering our ancestors and conducting tomb-sweeping rituals during the Qingming Festival, the Fire Department reminds citizens to remember the 4 don’ts and 2 dos of cemetery firefighting. The public is also urged to cooperate with the policy on the centralized incineration of joss papers to minimize the chance of fire touching the ground.

Moreover, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, people are reminded not to spray rubbing alcohol near fire sources such as candles or joss sticks when disinfecting to prevent fire. Also, never leave rubbing alcohol near open flames. Everyone must work hand in hand to prevent fire.