Yunlin: A forest fire that erupted in Yunlin County's Gukeng Township early Monday has been brought under control but continues to burn sporadically as of Wednesday. Firefighting teams face challenges due to the area's difficult terrain and lack of water sources.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Yunlin County Fire Department reported that the burned area had not expanded beyond an estimated eight hectares of woodland as of Tuesday afternoon. By Tuesday morning, damage was initially estimated at five hectares. Despite the efforts, small blazes remained active below a high-altitude wooden skywalk within a restricted area, and open flames were reported in bamboo groves near Shoutian Temple in the mountainous region.

Firefighting operations continued throughout the day, with ground crews divided into two teams to manage and monitor the fire within the forested areas and near the temple. By around 8 a.m., air crews had completed three additional water-dropping runs.

The fire originated early Monday morning in the mountainous forestland behind Shibi Hotel, also known as the Rocky Hotel, in Caoling Village. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Firefighting efforts have been complicated by the lack of accessible water sources and the steep, rugged terrain, requiring firefighters to reach the site on foot.

On Tuesday, firefighters, volunteer fire brigades, and Caoling residents collaborated at the scene. Helicopters conducted a total of 13 water drops, contributing to the fire being brought under control. There are concerns about the potential for landslides due to vegetation loss and reduced soil and water conservation on the affected slopes. The Yunlin County Agricultural Department plans to begin forest restoration once safety alerts are lifted.