Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, southwest China, experienced another fire on May 7, a month after a fire in the prefecture's Xichang City and Muli County. The State Council, China's cabinet, has dispatched a steering group to help curb the high incidences of deadly forest fires in the region.

In China, the vast majority of forest fires today are caused by human activities, among which ancestor worship, farming and smoking are the top three. Local governments have tried various approaches to educate people. However, in remote areas, the work should be organized in a way the local people accept. Borrowing experience from containing the coronavirus epidemic in communities in general, hanging warning banners, giving out leaflets and broadcasting through loudspeakers can be helpful.

Lack of firefighting facilities is one of the reasons for recent forest fires. Some experienced firefighters have said it is rare to see reservoirs in areas that are prone to fires. In addition, automatic sprinklers, which can be operated promptly, are needed. And more helipads should be built.

In remote forest areas, patrols require a lot of time and labor. Therefore, a risk warning and monitoring system for forest and grassland fires takes on great importance. Video surveillance systems should be built in key forest zones to support a comprehensive pattern of monitoring and early warning system.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in China Comment on May 14)   

(Print Edition Title: Reflection After Fire)