A fire broke out in a pigeon loft built on the rooftop of a house in Hsinchu, the United Daily News reported. Dense smoke filled the scene and the corrugated metal structure was engulfed in flames.

Firefighters responded and confirmed that no one was trapped inside the building. The cause is under investigation.

The Weakness of Rooftop Structures

Rooftop additions built of corrugated metal and square tubing are common on Taiwanese houses, serving as lofts, storerooms or laundry spaces, often with timber, feed and wiring together in one place.

Such structures are particularly vulnerable to fire. Good ventilation spreads flames quickly, the metal retains heat and makes extinguishing harder, and being on a roof can delay access.

Pigeon Keeping as a Practice

Pigeon racing has a long history in Taiwan as both hobby and industry. Many households keep lofts on their roofs, and competitions and associations operate regionally.

In dense urban areas, however, complaints have accompanied it over hygiene, noise and precisely this kind of fire risk. Local governments have been reviewing management rules on flock sizes and rooftop structures.

Fires in rooftop additions recur in South Korean urban housing as well. Temporary buildings used as storage or workspace become more dangerous when wiring is run to them on a makeshift basis. That is why inspections matter as the seasons turn.