Chongqing to establish brigade for forest fires

Following the recent spate of wildfires caused by drought and a prolonged heat wave in Chongqing, the municipality is to establish a dedicated forest fire brigade by next year, according to emergency management authorities.

Recently, Hui Chunlei, deputy director of the political department at the Forest Fire Bureau of the Ministry of Emergency Management, led a research group to Chongqing.

According to the research group, to ensure China can better respond to forest fire risks, it will promote a national comprehensive reform plan for fire and rescue. The group said more staff will be added to national fire and rescue teams this year, and Chongqing will establish its own fire and rescue team dedicated to forest fires.