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Forest fire under control in Northeast
The forest fire in Northeast China's
Heilongjiang Province has been brought under control, thanks to efforts of more
than 11,000 people. After six days of fierce
firefighting and the assistance of artificially produced rainfall,the four major
fire sites -- Yichun, Zhanhe, Heihe and Daxing'anling forestry areas -- are all
basically out, according to officials. All the forest brigades are still
closely watching the situation while clearing up hot spots, the official said.
The provincial and municipal weather
bureaux are awaiting orders to continue artificial rainfall when the weather
permits in Hujia, Heilongjiang Province. "The casualties and fire losses are
not available at present," said Zhao Sheng, director of the Heilongjiang
Provincial Forestry Fire-control office. Governor of Heilongjiang Province
Zhang Zuoji commanded the firefighting work on spot. And all the top leaders of
the local governments concerned were there to assist in the battle.
The fire broke out at 2:52 pm last
Thursday in Heihe. Investigators found the fire started
accidentally when forest-fire control workers lighted a fire in the woods along
the fire-control belt which separates the protected forest from other
vegetation. "Such practices (clearing up the
fire control belt) are generally taken as an effective way to avoid forest fires
in Heilongjiang Province. However, it turned out to be the
prime criminal in the disaster this time." said Zhao. In addition, the dry, clear and
windy weather, which has lasted since the National Day, also accelerated the
fire's spread. The fire expanded violently to the
surrounding Yichun, Daxing'anling and Zhanhe forestry areas.
Some 1,682 fire brigades, 1,619
armed police and more than 8,000 people were mobilized to extinguish the blaze.
Heilongjiang Forestry Administration
reported 21 forest fires and fire alarms in six days between last Tuesday
through Sunday. In an urgent notice, Zhangurged
authorities to strengthen fire prevention measures across the province.
Forestry departments at various levels were also urged to co-operate with local disciplinary inspection and supervision sectors to find people who set fires. |
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