Photo: CCTV News

China has activated a Level-IV emergency response and sent a working group to the frontline of firefighting efforts after a forest fire broke out in Yajiang, Southwest China's Sichuan Province at around 5 pm on Friday.

A total of 3,396 people affected by the fire have been safely evacuated, and there have been no reports of casualties so far.

A forest fire broke out in Yajiang at around 5 pm on Friday, and the fire quickly spread and expanded as of around 3 pm on Saturday due to a sudden increase in wind force at the fire scene. In response, China activated a Level-IV emergency response and dispatched a working group composed of specialists from relevant departments to the site of the blaze to guide the firefighting efforts, according to China Central Television (CCTV) on Sunday.

Currently, a total of 1,259 personnel from the national comprehensive fire rescue team and local professional firefighting teams are actively involved in firefighting efforts, and five helicopters have been deployed to conduct firefighting operations on site.

Additionally, the local forest fire brigade has sent 831 personnel and three helicopters for emergency reinforcement. Another 750 personnel have been urgently dispatched from Southwest China's Yunnan Province to provide additional support.

A total of 3,396 individuals from 11 villages affected by the forest fire have been safely evacuated.

According to CCTV News, strong winds suddenly broke out at the fire scene at 2:30 pm on Saturday, with an instant wind force of over eight levels. The eastern line of the fire scene reignited due to the strong wind, and quickly spread over multiple mountain ridges.

According to the meteorological department, the average wind force at the fire scene is four to five levels, with gusts reaching between levels nine to ten.

The Sichuan forest fire brigade used drones to survey the fire scene in Yajiang at 12 am on Sunday, with firefighters analyzing and assessing the situation of the fire scene, making preparations for the following firefighting operation.

Fire fighting, hazard inspection, and resettlement work are being carried out in an orderly manner at present.

Global Times