Forest fire raging in SW China

KUNMING -- More than 1,700 firefighters are fighting a forest fire that has lasted for more than 24 hours in Southwest China's Yunnan province, government authorities said Saturday.

Fire was spotted around 2:40 pm Friday near Lizu village, Shitou township of Yulong county, said a spokesman with the county government.

One house in the village burned down, and no casualties had been reported as of 2 p.m. Saturday, said the spokesman.

The firefighters include soldiers and civilians, and helicopters are being dispatched.

Cause of the fire is being investigated.