Northern regions at high risk of forest fires

Chinese authorities have warned of a high risk of forest and grassland fires across most northern regions of the country this month, following a series of fires that occurred during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday, which ended on Sunday.

Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a time for people to honor their ancestors by visiting grave sites. They also often burn incense and paper offerings, and set off firecrackers. These traditional practices have contributed to an increased number of fire incidents during the holiday period.

A mountain fire broke out on Friday afternoon at the border of Qinyuan and Pingyao counties in Shanxi province, according to China Media Group. By Saturday morning, no visible flames were reported in Qinyuan, but strong winds posed a risk of reignition, complicating firefighting efforts.