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China reports no major fires during Tomb Sweeping Festival

Xinhua, April 7, 2015 Adjust font size:

No major fires were reported during Tomb Sweeping Festival as millions of Chinese paid tribute to the dead by burning joss sticks and paper money.

Between Saturday last week to midday Monday, 2,975 small fires broke out around the country, China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said in a statement on Tuesday.

But no major accidents, defined as those that kill more than three people, occurred, it added.

Tomb Sweeping Day, which fell on Sunday this year, is a traditional Chinese holiday during which people pay tribute to deceased friends and family by burning "fake" paper money and other possessions, often resulting in uncontrolled fires.

The MPS said police nationwide boosted inspections of fire hazards in cemeteries, temples, tourist attractions, shopping malls and other crowded public spaces.

According to the statement, firefighters were dispatched to save 1,029 people during the holiday. Endi