Mountain fire breaks out in Beijing

A firefighter tries to extinguish fire in Pinggu district, BEIJING. (Xinhua/Ji Songtao)

A fire broke out in a mountainous area on the northern outskirts of BEIJING around noon Saturday, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

The blaze started on a mountain in Miyun district at around 12:23 p.m. and spread to Pinggu district at about 1 p.m. due to strong winds.

Emergency response was activated immediately after the fire broke out. The fire in Miyun was extinguished by 3:30 p.m., with no casualties reported.

About 600 local firefighters have been dispatched to quench the blaze. The ministry said another 300 firefighters from outside BEIJING are coming to the aid.