North China forest fire put out

Open fire has been extinguished in Qinyuan County, north China's Shanxi Province, after a six-day firefighting operation, local official said Thursday.

Rescue forces of more than 15,000 people have been battling the last line of the fire since Tuesday. Around 90 percent of the fire affected area has been cleared, and a total of 80 fire engines are on standby at the site to prevent after-combustion.

The fire broke out in the afternoon of March 29, and no casualties were reported so far.

Cause of the fire is under investigation.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)