Forest fire contained in SW China

Xinhua, February 17, 2012

A forest fire that broke out Tuesday morning has been contained in southwest China's Yunnan Province, according to the local forest fire prevention headquarters.

The fire, which once engulfed an area of 500 mu (33.3 hectares) in the city of Yuxi, was contained on Thursday, except for some embers rekindled because of the strong winds, said Deng Jindeng with the headquarters.

More than 500 people are combing the area, ready to put out the rekindled embers, Deng said.

The fire was spotted around 9 a.m. on a mountain in the Hongta district of Yuxi city, and as of Tuesday afternoon has swept through more than 33 hectares due to strong winds and high temperatures, said Fei Junhong, deputy chief of the district's Forestry Bureau.

No casualties or property losses have been reported so far. The cause of the fire is under investigation, Fei said.

Though flames on the site were extinguished at 11:37 a.m. Thursday, embers rekindled because of the strong winds later that day.