Forest fire in Yunnan expected to be quenched soon
Forestfire in Yunnan expected to be quenched soon
17 April 2006
published by http://news.xinhuanet.com
KUNMING, April 17 (Xinhua) — Fire fighters in southwest China’s Yunnan Province said they may put out a forest fire close to a scenic snow mountain on Monday, five days after it flared up.
By midday Monday, all the visible flames had been extinguished in forests close to Yulong (Jade Dragon) Snow Mountain, said sources with the Yunnan provincial headquarters of the Chinese People’s Armed Police Force.
The five-day fire-fighting campaign is to end on Monday, though fire fighters are still keeping watch at the fire site for any spark that might escalate into flames again.
The fire broke out last Wednesday in forests 15 kilometers from the mountain and the famed tourist town of Lijiang. The fire was almost extinguished on several occasions, but resurged again due to strong wind.
Fortunately, the fire failed to result in any injury, and tourists continued to flood to the Yulong Snow Mountain on Sunday, said Sun fang, head of the fire fighting headquarters.
The investigators suspected the fire was caused by human, while meteorological statistics indicate prolonged dry weather was also to blame.
Yulong Snow Mountain, covering some 300 square kilometers, consists of 13 perennially snow-capped peaks and boasts abundant forest resources. The three main sightseeing spots on the mountain attract about 1 million tourists from home and abroad every year. Enditem
Editor: Ling Zhu
