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1st LD-Writethru: Thousands battle forest fire in north China

Xinhua, May 3, 2017 Adjust font size:

More than 8,000 people are battling a forest fire in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, authorities said Wednesday.

The fire began Tuesday in Beidahe forest in the Greater Hinggan Mountains. As of noon Wednesday, it had engulfed around 10,000 hectares of forest, according to local fire authorities.

Dry vegetation, strong changeable winds and high temperatures are making it difficult to extinguish the blaze.

Twelve firefighting aircraft and 1,000 firefighters from Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces are ready to join the efforts if required.

Cloud seeding equipment has also been prepared.

The fire was started by dumped burning coal, and suspects have been detained.

This spring, temperatures in Inner Mongolia are higher than average,with dry vegetation increasing fire risks.

A cross-border fire broke out in another forest in the area Sunday. It was put out and the cleanup is underway. Endi