TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Vice President Lai Ching-te visited Huosheng Temple, a temple dedicated to the fire god, on Monday morning (Aug. 21).
Speaking to the media, Lai, also the presidential hopeful for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), emphasized the significance of laws aimed at safeguarding the rights and safety of firefighters.
Located in Taipei City's Da'an District, Huosheng Temple has long been a religious center for firefighters. Lai specifically prayed for blessings from Huo De Xing Jun, the deity in charge of the fire, to prevent fire-related tragedies.
In addition to seeking divine protection, Lai highlighted the importance of human efforts. He mentioned that President Tsai Ing-wen attaches great importance to the rights of firefighters and their safety during disaster responses. Lai also praised efforts to improve fire safety standards.
Lai pointed out that the Legislative Yuan has passed the Firefighting Equipment Personnel Act, a topic that had been under discussion in Taiwanese society for 24 years.
Furthermore, there have been large-scale amendments to the Fire Services Act for the first time in its 37-year history. All these efforts aim at enhancing firefighter safety.
Lai also mentioned that Executive Yuan had allocated a budget of NT＄1.2 billion to replace all firefighting vehicles in Taiwan that have been in service for over 20 years. In 2020, a fire broke out at Cashbox Partyworld KTV on Lin Sen Road, claiming six lives. In 2021, a tragic Kaohsiung building fire resulted in the loss of 46 lives.
In response to these incidents, the Executive Yuan proposed amendments to specific articles of the "Fire Services Act" in 2022, which were finally passed in May 2023. Lai's visit to Huosheng Temple demonstrates the party's commitment to improving fire safety.