Chiayi Performing Arts Center Closes Theaters Due to Fire System Malfunction

The main hall and experimental theater at the Chiayi Performing Arts Center are temporarily closed to the public due to an anomaly detected in the fire safety system. The issue was discovered during a fire safety equipment test on May 29. To safeguard public safety and protect the lives and property of visitors and performing groups, the venues have ceased operations immediately.

The Chiayi County Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that a regular fire safety inspection revealed a malfunction in the sprinkler system within both the performance hall and the experimental theater. Due to the high ceilings, the sprinkler equipment is located between two to three stories high. Accessing it requires removing all audience seating and erecting scaffolding. Additionally, protective measures must be implemented for indoor hardware before testing to prevent water damage.

After consulting with professional advice and conducting thorough evaluations, the decision was made that comprehensive repairs cannot be completed during normal operating hours. For the sake of public safety and risk prevention, and to ensure the well-being of attendees and performing troupes, a precautionary closure has been enacted. All scheduled events in both venues are suspended, and efforts are underway to expedite the repair and improvement work.

Chiayi County Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Xu Pei-ling emphasized that fire safety is paramount for public security, directly impacting the lives and property of audiences and performers, and allowing no room for oversight. She stated that an emergency closure has been initiated for a thorough inspection, adhering to the strictest and highest standards for the venue's fire safety facilities. The center is coordinating with a professional fire engineering team to commence inspection work and will resume operations only after confirming all fire safety equipment is functioning securely. For affected groups and audiences, the center is developing compensatory measures to protect their rights, with details to be announced on the center's official website and social media platforms, or by contacting the center directly. Teams that had booked the venues will be contacted personally to arrange postponements or refunds.

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Fire safety is paramount for public security, involving the lives and property of audiences and performing groups, and allowing no room for oversight. An emergency closure has been initiated for a thorough inspection, adhering to the strictest and highest standards for the venue's fire safety facilities.