Northern regions at high risk of forest fires

Chinese authorities have warned of a high risk of forest and grassland fires across most northern regions of the country this month, following a series of fires that occurred during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, which ended on Sunday.

Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a time for people to honor their ancestors by visiting grave sites. They also often burn incense and paper offerings, and set off firecrackers. These traditional practices have contributed to an increased number of fire incidents during the holiday period.

A mountain fire broke out on Friday afternoon at the border of Qinyuan and Pingyao counties in Shanxi province, according to China Media Group. By Saturday morning, no visible flames were reported in Qinyuan, but strong winds posed a risk of reignition, complicating firefighting efforts.

More than 800 firefighters were dispatched to the scene, and three firebreaks were established. Four firefighting helicopters, a fixed-wing aircraft and more than 50 water trucks were also mobilized, CMG reported. The burned area is still being assessed, and no casualties have been reported.

Another mountain fire was discovered on Friday in Yantai, a coastal city in Shandong province. According to Yantai Daily, police arrested a 41-year-old woman surnamed Zhang after receiving a report of a fire on Wangwu Mountain. The investigation found that Zhang, despite knowing the area was a no-fire zone, lit a ritual fire. Strong winds spread the burning materials, igniting dry grass and sparking the blaze, the report said.

Authorities in Laizhou, also in Shandong, detained four villagers last week for illegal outdoor burning that led to fires, according to Yantai Daily.

Meanwhile, Beijing officials have raised concerns about ritual paper burning after several fires linked to the practice occurred in the city. On Friday, a fire broke out at around 1 pm on a hillside in Dajixiang village, Yanqing district, according to the Beijing Emergency Management Bureau.

More than 200 forest firefighters and eight drones were dispatched, and the fire was extinguished within 36 minutes. No injuries were reported, but about 500 square meters of land were burned. Authorities said the fire was likely caused by ritual burning, and police detained a suspect surnamed Pan.

Beijing remains under a blue alert for strong winds and an orange alert for forest fire risks. Officials have reminded residents that open flames are prohibited in forested areas, including smoking, land clearing and ritual paper burning. Authorities urged residents to report fires immediately by calling 12119 or 119.

A recent assessment conducted by the Office of the National Disaster Reduction Commission, the Ministry of Emergency Management and six other central departments found a high risk of forest fires in parts of northern, northeastern and northwestern China this month. The report, released last week, also warned of a relatively high risk of grassland fires in parts of the provinces of Hebei, Gansu and Qinghai, as well as the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Additionally, the assessment indicated that regions in southwestern, southern and northern China face potential drought conditions. Rising temperatures increase the risk of severe convective weather and heavy rainfall, heightening the likelihood of floods and hailstorms in parts of southwestern, central and eastern China.

jiangchenglong@chinadaily.com.cn