On 30/5, residents reported a fire engulfing vehicles in a parking lot in Ganjingzi District, Dalian, Liaoning province. The fire spread quickly due to narrow spaces between the cars.

Local firefighters and police quickly responded, extinguishing the blaze. The incident damaged 20 new energy vehicles; some were reduced to their frames. No injuries were reported.

Local authorities confirmed that a 74-year-old man caused the fire. He ignited a pile of fallen willow flowers with a lighter, stating they interfered with his daily exercise routine.

Strong winds that day quickly spread the flames from the burning flowers to a nearby oto. The damaged vehicles were part of a new energy vehicle brand's inventory, awaiting delivery. The man was subsequently taken into police custody for investigation into intentional arson.

Following the incident, police issued a public warning against similar actions, emphasizing the unpredictable consequences. They highlighted that willow flowers, like poplar and other similar species, contain high fiber and natural oil content, making them highly flammable when exposed to a heat source.

My Anh (via Sina)