On the eve of Fire Prevention Day, President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) met with 2025 Phoenix Award recipients at the Presidential Office on Tuesday. He congratulated the honorees and, on behalf of the nation, expressed the highest respect and gratitude to all firefighters, volunteers, and teachers dedicated to fire safety education. 

Lai said the phoenix symbolizes rebirth from the ashes, courage, and resilience. He praised their disaster response for building team spirit, boosting firefighting capabilities, and enhancing Taiwan’s societal resilience amid more frequent extreme weather and complex disasters driven by climate change. He also highlighted the roles of volunteers in prevention advocacy and on-site rescue, forming a tight social safety net with the government and firefighters. 

Though disasters are unpredictable, Lai stressed that the government will invest more resources as their backup. He said, “We have now approved 24 medium-term projects with an investment of NT$28.5 billion (US$900 million). These include replacing equipment and improving facilities, introducing AI for occupational safety management, and subsidizing counties and cities to purchase drones and rescue robots. Through these technological measures, we aim to enhance disaster monitoring and rescue efficiency while reducing risks for frontline personnel.” 

The government is further establishing mental health support to combat PTSD, including funding for screenings and counseling. 

On staffing, Lai noted that the 2019 goal of adding 3,000 firefighters over five years was met. From 2024 to 2028, another 3,000 will be hired to strengthen rescue forces, with improved shift schedules to ease workload. 

With the Lunar New Year approaching—a peak fire period—Lai once again thanked them for enabling safe celebrations.