China News Service, Guiyang, February 22 (Reporter Yuan Chao) The Guizhou Provincial Forest and Grassland Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting Emergency Command issued a report on recent mountain fires in Guizhou Province on the 22nd. From February 10 to 21, a total of 221 forest fires occurred in the province. , have now all been extinguished.
It has been verified that there were 11 forest fires, causing 2 casualties. The detailed losses are under investigation and statistics.
Since the fire broke out, the armed police, fire fighters, forest defense, professional rescue teams and social rescue forces have dispatched 730 teams, invested a total of more than 9,200 people and nearly 40,000 pieces of equipment (sets and pieces) to participate in forest fire fighting, mobilized grassroots party members and cadres, and militiamen , more than 15,000 people and volunteers, and no major secondary disasters occurred in important facilities and equipment such as gas stations, substations, transmission lines, oil and gas pipelines, and high-speed rail in Guizhou Province.
Why is Guizhou’s recent high incidence of wildfires?
The report stated that from August 2022, Guizhou Province experienced the strongest summer, autumn and winter drought since 1961, and a large number of vegetation died.
In 2023, there will be high temperatures, less rain, and more sunshine. Especially since the beginning of winter, there have been three cold wave weather processes. Freezing has caused the accumulation of dead branches and leaves on the surface, and an increase in flammable and combustible materials.
At the same time, since the Spring Festival in 2024, there has been no significant precipitation in most areas of Guizhou Province, and the temperature has risen significantly. Especially from February 17 to 20, the average temperature in most areas of Guizhou rose to above 20°C, and winds in Guizhou Province increased and lasted for a long time. Especially in the central and western regions of the province, strong winds above level 8 have been seen for many days, with some exceeding level 10, and the relative humidity is low, below 30%.
From February 18th to 20th, the daily average temperatures and maximum wind speeds at multiple weather stations across Guizhou Province broke multi-year records.
From 3:00 on February 18 to 2:00 on February 19, the highest temperature at a single station in the country was 34.7°C in Guizhou.
Under the weather and climate background of increased combustible material load, high temperature, low humidity, and strong winds in the forest, the meteorological level of forest fire danger is high and fires are easily caused.
In addition, factors such as traditional sacrifices during the Spring Festival and frequent agricultural activities after the festival have led to an increase in forest fires, showing a high incidence rate.
Since the fire broke out, the Guizhou Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government have attached great importance to preventing and extinguishing forest and grassland fires, and have taken multiple measures and channels to carry out rescue and publicity on fire prevention.
The notification requires that at present, the dry and windy weather in Guizhou Province is still continuing, and the forest fire danger level is still high. It is necessary to scientifically study and judge the situation and strengthen the implementation of responsibilities; pay close attention to source prevention and strict fire source control; scientifically implement rescue and strictly report information. ; Strengthen publicity and education, and respond to relevant concerns in a timely manner.
Official appeal: Guizhou has a typical karst landform, with high mountains, steep slopes, and complex terrain. Once a forest fire occurs, it is difficult to fight and deal with it, and it is difficult to restore damaged vegetation.
Forest fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. The public should consciously participate in forest fire prevention and jointly protect our green home.
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