A forest fire started by geological surveyors on June 1 has raged out of control, engulfing about 1,600 hectares in Sichuan Province by 6:00 PM yesterday, according to local forest fire control authorities. No casualties have been reported.

"Although firefighters have put the eastern part of it out, we can't say the fire has been brought under control totally," said an unnamed fire control official.
   
The fire was caused by an explosion detonated by surveyors conducting research in Muli Tibetan Autonomous County of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture at 4:00 PM last Wednesday.
   
Nearly 2,000 firefighters have been working to extinguish it and the government has induced artificial rainfall in the area in an attempt to help.

A special working team, headed by Du Yongsheng, director of the fire control office of the State Forestry Administration, reached Muli on Tuesday evening to direct the operations.
   
Muli boasts the largest forest reserve in the southwestern province, but this is the third forest fire in the area in the past three weeks. The previous two were put out on May 24 and 28.
   
The affected forest is located on a mountain ridge about 3,200 meters above sea level. The hot and dry conditions have added to difficulties in fighting the fire, the fire control official said.
   
The provincial government has instructed local governments at all levels to lay more stress on forest fire prevention.

(Xinhua News Agency June 8, 2005)