The forest fire in Sichuan Province was completely extinguished with no casualties by as of 11:00 AM Saturday, according to sources with the State Forestry Administration.

The fire broke out on May 23 in the Shuiluo Township of Tibet Autonomous County of Muli, following one in nearby Dongzi Township.

More than 2,600 firefighters were organized to put out the fires through artificial rainfall and other means.

For fear that the dying embers may flare up again, more than 1,000 people are kept at the spots to keep watch on the fire-hit forest. The size of woods burned and exact loss are under investigation, said the sources.

The administration has issued an urgent circular requiring the local authorities to keep close watch at the drought woods in Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Jilin, Heilongjiang and other six provinces and regions rich in forest resources.

Local governments at all levels should pay special attention to tourist attractions and areas prone to fire to protect the life of the people, according to the urgent circular.

(Xinhua News Agency May 29, 2005)