Man Fined for Setting Fire to Trash Outside Temple After Breakup

A man in Keelung, Taiwan, was fined NT$1,500 for setting fire to trash outside a temple, an act he committed to vent his emotions following a breakup. The incident occurred in the early hours of May 14th when the man, identified by his surname Chen, ignited garbage near the Yuanzi Temple in Xinyi District.

The fire quickly spread beyond Chen's control, prompting the Keelung City Fire Department to respond and extinguish the blaze. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Investigations by the Dongguang Police Station revealed Chen's involvement, and he explained that he used a lighter to burn the trash due to emotional distress from his romantic relationship.

The Keelung District Court found Chen's actions to be a violation of the Social Order Maintenance Act. Judge Li Hsin-ju noted that the fire, located near grassland and the temple, posed a significant risk to public safety, especially in a place frequented by people. The court determined that Chen's act of setting a fire in a public area without a justifiable reason, disregarding the potential consequences, was unacceptable.

Chen's actions were deemed to have endangered public safety, leading to the fine. The court emphasized the potential for severe outcomes had the fire department not intervened promptly.

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The court found that Chen's act of burning trash outside the temple, adjacent to grassland and the temple, which is a public place for gatherings and sightseeing, had the potential to endanger safety.