Another forest fire breaks out in southwest China's Yunnan Province

Another forest fire breaks out in southwest China's Yunnan Province

2011-03-09 06:37:58 GMT+7 (ICT)

YUNNAN, CHINA (BNO NEWS) -- A forest fire on Tuesday broke out in southwest China's Yunnan Province, the sixth since last week, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

The fire began at about 11:00 a.m. local time in a forest in Baoshan city and strong winds intensified it, as informed by local forest fire control authorities. No casualties were reported.

As of Tuesday night, more than 1,000 firefighters, forest police officers and soldiers continue fighting the battling the fire that has covered approximately 26.7 hectares. Strong winds and the complex forest terrain have hindered efforts to control the flames.

Authorities informed that the fire is expected to be put out before dawn as wind drops late at night. In order to assist efforts, a helicopter was dispatched to the forest. An investigation to determine the cause of the disaster is underway.

According to China's State Forest Fire Prevention Headquarters, this month there has been six forest fires in the country's south west region. The fire authorities added that there is a high risk of forest fires in the next days as dry weather and high winds will continue.

One of last week's forest fires caused the death of 9 people in Jianchuan county in Yunnan Province. In addition, seven individuals were injured in the fire that lasted more than three days as it reignited twice.

An investigation revealed that the disaster was caused by a local villager's careless burning of corn roots. Among the victims, three were professional fire-fighters, while six were volunteers including four county and township officials and two residents of the Jinhua village.

The flames consumed a 135-hectares area in the the mountainous region, where fire engines were unable to enter. About 1,000 fire-fighters aided by two helicopters with monsoon buckets managed to finally extinguish the fire.

Also last week, a forest fire broke 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 village. The fire spread over 25 hectares and lasted approximately 24 hours.

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