Around China

Shaanxi

Suspect detained after forest fire

Police have detained a suspect in relation to a forest fire in Shaanxi province that killed eight villagers, local authorities said on Sunday. The fire started at about 4:30 pm on Saturday near Fodong, a village in Xunyang county, according to the county government. Eight villagers were seriously burned while fighting the blaze and died despite doctors' efforts. An initial investigation indicated the blaze was caused by careless use of fire by the suspect, surnamed Zhang. All residents near the fire scene were relocated to safe areas.