Guangzhou intends to buy firefighting helicopters after Baiyun Mountain had at least five big fires in four years. The latest were two fires last week on successive days.

The Southern Metropolitan News reported Sunday that the proposal had been discussed by relevant departments, citing sources from the city's firefighting bureau.

Helicopters could also help put out fires in densely populated villages in urban areas where streets were too narrow for fire engines. Fires that broke out on the mountain Thursday afternoon and Friday evening were put out and there were no casualties.

Fires on the mountain were usually caused by cigarette ends discarded by people from the neighboring Yuanxiatian Village who climb the mountain to fetch water, Wang Guoru, director-general of the scenic spot's management bureau, was quoted as saying.

Since the beginning of last year, authorities had banned people collecting water from the mountain to conserve water resources and protect the vegetation. However, villagers often broke through a fence built to keep them out to collect water and had even harassed security guards.

Without the power to enforce the ban, the management bureau could do little but enhance its cooperation with police.

Firefighting pools will be built near the water source for emergencies.

(Shenzhen Daily December 15, 2003)