Forest fire contained in North China

HOHHOT - A forest fire that broke out Wednesday in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has been contained thanks to a team of 4,000 fire fighters, authorities said Thursday.

The fire has been extinguished in the northeastern part of the region, although flames and smoke were still seen in southern and eastern parts, where fire fighters were still working to put out it, said the local fire authority.

The fire broke out Wednesday in a forest in Chenbaerhu Banner, Hulunbuir City, and spread across some 5,000 hectares as of Thursday afternoon.

Eight aircraft and six armored vehicles have been despatched to help extinguish the fire, it said.

This spring, temperatures in Inner Mongolia are higher than average,increasing the risk of fires.