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  Forest fire under control in Northeast 
 The forest fire in Northeast China's 
Heilongjiang Province has been brought under control, thanks to efforts of more 
than 11,000 people.  After six days of fierce 
firefighting and the assistance of artificially produced rainfall,the four major 
fire sites -- Yichun, Zhanhe, Heihe and Daxing'anling forestry areas -- are all 
basically out, according to officials.  All the forest brigades are still 
closely watching the situation while clearing up hot spots, the official said. 
 The provincial and municipal weather 
bureaux are awaiting orders to continue artificial rainfall when the weather 
permits in Hujia, Heilongjiang Province.  "The casualties and fire losses are 
not available at present," said Zhao Sheng, director of the Heilongjiang 
Provincial Forestry Fire-control office.  Governor of Heilongjiang Province 
Zhang Zuoji commanded the firefighting work on spot. And all the top leaders of 
the local governments concerned were there to assist in the battle. 
 The fire broke out at 2:52 pm last 
Thursday in Heihe.  Investigators found the fire started 
accidentally when forest-fire control workers lighted a fire in the woods along 
the fire-control belt which separates the protected forest from other 
vegetation.  "Such practices (clearing up the 
fire control belt) are generally taken as an effective way to avoid forest fires 
in Heilongjiang Province.  However, it turned out to be the 
prime criminal in the disaster this time." said Zhao.  In addition, the dry, clear and 
windy weather, which has lasted since the National Day, also accelerated the 
fire's spread.  The fire expanded violently to the 
surrounding Yichun, Daxing'anling and Zhanhe forestry areas. 
 Some 1,682 fire brigades, 1,619 
armed police and more than 8,000 people were mobilized to extinguish the blaze. 
 Heilongjiang Forestry Administration 
reported 21 forest fires and fire alarms in six days between last Tuesday 
through Sunday.  In an urgent notice, Zhangurged 
authorities to strengthen fire prevention measures across the province. 
 Forestry departments at various levels were also urged to co-operate with local disciplinary inspection and supervision sectors to find people who set fires.  | 
  
 
 
 
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