Beijing warns of forest fires over the weekend

Beijing authorities on Friday issued a red alert for forest fires for the upcoming two days, after the capital has seen scarce precipitation this month.

North China is at increased risk of forest fires due to lack of rainfall and higher temperatures, according to the national forest fire prevention headquarters of the State Forestry Administration.

A red alert is the highest level in China's four-tier color-coded fire warning system.

Local authorities have been asked to further monitor and guard against fires, and to come up with improved emergency plans.

The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Landscape and Forestry said residents should be more cautious and prohibited the illegal use of fire.

The bureau forecast little precipitation for the capital in the next two days.