Large wildfires force thousands to evacuate, claim at least 30 lives in China
China's government said on Tuesday that at least 30 people have died fighting a wildfire high in the mountains of the country's Sichuan province, the Associated Press reported.
The blaze was contained on Tuesday as smoke continued to lift into sky from the smoldering forest.
The victims included 27 firefighters and three local residents that were recruited to help battle the blaze, which erupted on Saturday, March 30, the AP said.
The fire was burning at an altitude of 12,500 feet (3,800 meters) in Sichuan's Muli County. A sudden change in wind direction reportedly impacted the fire's behavior, which led to the deaths.
"Much of the region affected by the recent wildfires has seen less than 50% of normal rainfall so far this year," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty.
A shower or thunderstorm may affect parts of the region on Wednesday. While rainfall is needed, any lightning could result in new wildfires.
China has been dealing with other wildfires throughout the country, including around the outskirts of Beijing, the AP reported.
According to China's Global Television Network, over 15,000 are battling a forest fire in the country's Shanxi province. More than 4,600 residents have been evacuated to safety in the region.
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