Mountain fire breaks out in east China, spreads toward Mount Tai

A mountain fire broke out in East China’s Shandong province Monday morning, spreading toward Mount Tai, according to a report from local authorities. Fires broke out in several locations in the mountainous area near Shandong’s capital city of Jinan around 9 am Monday. Strong winds are directing the fire toward Mount Tai.

More than 300 firefighters were working to put out the fire in Jinan. More firefighters have been summoned from neighboring cities and counties to join the effort, said a spokesman with Jinan’s municipal forestry bureau. Another 230 firefighters were sent to build a “buffer zone” in the city of Tai’an, where Mount Tai is located. Thirty-four fire engines are on standby.

Another mountain fire in the province’s city of Laiwu was brought under control after 1,000 firefighters spent 48 hours battling the fire. No causalities have been reported, according to a statement issued by the municipal government Monday.

Mount Tai, one of China’s “Five Sacred Mountains”, carries great historical and cultural significance. Its peak, referred to as the “Jade Emperor Peak”, is approximately 1,500 meters above sea level. (Xinhua)