Human factors were blamed for the majority of the forest fires
which occurred in south China in the first ten months, according
the State Forestry Administration (SFA).
During Jan.-Oct. period, 12 southern regions saw 5,873 cases of
forest fires, 78 percent of the nation's total of 7,553 cases.
Human factors, such as land clearing and cigarette littering,
were behind 4,768 cases of forest fires, 98.3 percent of the 4,850
cases in southern regions whose causes have been specified, the
administration said.
This highlighted insufficient forest fire monitoring and
prevention efforts of the local authorities, said Lei Jiafu, SFA's
deputy chief.
Some regions in the south of the country are suffering from
severe drought, which puts the forests there at high fire
risks.
Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu On Monday called for more
vigilance to guard against forest fires in the drought-hit southern
regions.
Hui told a televised meeting that local authorities in the
southern regions should monitor forests 24 hours a day and
immediately report when forest fires occur.
He also ordered putting in place firefighters and fire-fighting
facilities near the forests that are in high danger of fires.
The vice premier underscored intricate planning and scientific
leadership to prevent loss of life in forest fires and vowed to
severely punish officials who cause huge loss of lives because of
dereliction of duty.
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(Xinhua News Agency December 6, 2007)
