Since June, unusual weather has occurred frequently worldwide, with forest fires reported in many countries such as the United States, Canada and Russia.

In China, prolonged high temperatures in July and a sharp 60-70 percent drop in rainfall affected northern and northeast regions. Unusually active thunderbolts finally sparked wildfires in the virgin forests of the northern Greater Hinggan Mountains, the country's biggest forests in the northeast region.

These fires proved hard to control as all broke out in areas far from roads. Fire-fighters had to be parachuted in then walk to the sites. Fire control efforts were further undermined by high temperatures and lack of water sources. Continuing lightning strikes caused fresh outbreaks which demanded manpower that was already in short supply.

After Aug. 15 when showers fell at most fire-spots, the headquarters seized the opportunity and organized personnel to battle the flames and managed to totally put out all fires on Monday.

The operation involved over 16,000 people, including about 5,600 forest police and 11,000 local forestry workers, sources said.

The police and workers were leaving the fire sites, but the headquarters will keep some people on standby in case fire breaks out again.

(Xinhua News Agency August 19, 2002)