April 1, 2020

Anna Murray 

A huge forest blaze happened in the city of Xichang in Sichuan province, China. This forest blaze has caused the death of 18 firefighters and one forestry guide. 

The local state television showed a video clip related to this huge forest blaze. The flame directly shot into the sky and turned the sky into orange. According to the local news, this blaze started at around 3pm local time on March 30. Strong winds quickly spread the fire into the nearby area. 

The city government stated a warning on the Weibo that this fire had direct threat to the people of Xichang city. According to the report of the local government, major facilities including two gas stations, four school, the biggest department store in the local area were affected. 

According to the local officials, at least 140 fire engines, four helicopters, and around 900 firefighters have been sent to save this forest fire. At least 1,200 residents have been evacuated. 

Helicopters were still battling with this blaze on March 31. 

Recently, several forest fires have broken out in the same prefecture, according to the state news agency Xinhua. Last April, at least 27 firefighters were killed in a forest fire in Muli county in the same prefecture.

Photo:Webshot.