Smoke drifts over Taipei as firefighters battle Yangmingshan blaze

Taipei, April 14 (CNA) A fire broke out in Yangmingshan National Park on Monday, prompting authorities to dispatch 21 firefighting vehicles and 72 personnel to the mountainous area north of central Taipei.

Flames erupted in the park's Xiaoyoukeng Recreation Area late Monday morning, scorching an estimated 100 square meters of vegetation in the city's Beitou District, according to the Taipei City Fire Department.

Thick plumes of smoke rose from the slopes near Zhuzihu Road, and were visible in many areas of Taiwan's capital city.

Despite firefighting efforts, the blaze continues to spread, as of 1 p.m. Monday.

The department said they received the first call at 11:17 a.m.

Firefighters arrived on the scene with four command vehicles, 16 fire engines and an ambulance, the department said, but they struggled to contain the blaze.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

On Facebook, Taipei City Councilor Chang Szu-kang (張斯綱) warned residents living downwind of the blaze to remain indoors as much as possible with windows closed, and to wear masks if they must go outside.