A forest fire started by geological surveyors on June 1 has
raged out of control, engulfing about 1,600 hectares in Sichuan
Province by 6:00 PM yesterday, according to local forest fire
control authorities. No casualties have been reported.
"Although firefighters have put the eastern part of it out, we
can't say the fire has been brought under control totally," said an
unnamed fire control official.
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The fire was caused by an explosion detonated by surveyors
conducting research in Muli Tibetan Autonomous County of Liangshan
Yi Autonomous Prefecture at 4:00 PM last Wednesday.
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Nearly 2,000 firefighters have been working to extinguish it and
the government has induced artificial rainfall in the area in an
attempt to help.
A special working team, headed by Du Yongsheng, director of the
fire control office of the State Forestry Administration, reached
Muli on Tuesday evening to direct the operations.
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Muli boasts the largest forest reserve in the southwestern
province, but this is the third forest fire in the area in the past
three weeks. The previous two were put out on May 24 and 28.
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The affected forest is located on a mountain ridge about 3,200
meters above sea level. The hot and dry conditions have added to
difficulties in fighting the fire, the fire control official
said.
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The provincial government has instructed local governments at all
levels to lay more stress on forest fire prevention.
(Xinhua News Agency June 8, 2005)
