Firefighters make progress on multiple fronts at Shanxi fire, no casualties reported

The mountain fire that erupted in Huguan county, Shanxi province, was under control on the southern, western and southeastern fronts as of 7:00 am on Tuesday, with no casualties reported, local authorities said.

The fire broke out at 10:30 am on Monday. Fueled by strong winds and the dense vegetation of pine trees and shrubs, the fire rapidly spread to surrounding areas.

The local fire command authorities activated a level-four emergency response for forest fires, mobilizing over 600 personnel from the city's specialized forest fire prevention teams, 116 firefighters from the city's fire rescue team and more than 2,000 semi-professional personnel.