Forest fire kills 9 people, injures 7 more in southwest China

Forest fire kills 9 people, injures 7 more in southwest China

2011-03-04 02:24:27 GMT+7 (ICT)

YUNNAN, CHINA (BNO NEWS) -- Chinese authorities on Thursday informed that a forest fire killed at least 9 people and injured 7 more in southwest China's Yunnan Province, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The forest fire first started on Wednesday afternoon and was put out on early Thursday morning by the Yunnan Provincial Forest Fire Prevention Authority. The incident took place in Jinhua Township, in Jianchuan County.

However, the fire was reignited by strong winds and trapped firefighters on a forest-covered mountain slope. Seven firefighters and two Jinhua government officiasl were killed while fighting the forest fire.

In addition, seven more were injured; one of them was reported to be in critical condition. Firefighters are still putting out the blaze and authorities have augmented the fire-fighting contingent.

A team of forestry, civil affairs, and fire fighting officials was deployed on Thursday night to the site. Authorities demanded a safe and speedy operation as well as a thorough probe to determine the causes of the incident.

On Tuesday morning, a forest fire was successfully put out in Yulong County, Yunnan Province. No casualties were reported from the fire. Approximately 1,400 people were summoned to assist in the fire-fighting efforts in Huangshan Township.

The fire spread over 25 hectares and lasted approximately 24 hours. The cause of the forest fire is under investigation.

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