Friends, family mourn firefighter killed on duty in Hsinchu

Taipei, Dec. 28 (CNA) Family members and friends are mourning the death of a firefighter squad leader killed while tackling a blaze at a residential building in Hsinchu County Thursday morning.

Firefighter Yu Shang-hua (游尚樺) died from suspected smoke inhalation on duty at a residential blaze in Hukou Township, Hsinchu County, after doctors' attempts to resuscitate him failed, according to officials.

One of Yu's colleagues, still wearing his firefighting gear, told CNA he had rushed straight from the Hukou blaze to check on the squad leader in hospital.

Describing his death as "difficult to stomach," the colleague described Yu as an "outgoing and kind" squad leader beloved by all his fellow firefighters.

A volunteer firefighter surnamed Chen (陳) echoed these sentiments, telling CNA that those who had worked alongside Yu were devastated at the news of his death.

As Yu's body was taken from the hospital to the funeral home, police officers and firefighters lined the route to pay their respects.

Director-General of National Fire Agency Hsiao Huan-chang (蕭煥章) and Hsinchu County Magistrate Yang Wen-ke (楊文科) also arrived at the hospital to offer condolences.

Hsiao said in a statement that he would cooperate with the local fire bureau to arrange for appropriate bereavement compensation.

Hsiao also promised to discuss a request from Yu's father to transfer his younger son, a firefighter in Taipei, to a position closer to home to help care for his family.

Yu was an experienced firefighter, having previously served as head at the Zhuwei Branch in New Taipei.

He started his service at Hsinchu County in 2022 and was assigned head at the Xingong Branch in September of that same year.

An investigation into the exact cause of Yu's death is ongoing, with Interior Minister Lin Yu-chang (林右昌) stating that the ministry would provide any help if needed.