Mountain fire breaks out in Beijing

A fire broke out in a mountainous area on the northern outskirts of Beijing around noon Saturday, according to the Ministry of Emergency Management.

The blaze started on a mountain in Miyun District at around 12:23 p.m. and spread to Pinggu District at about 1 p.m. due to strong winds.

The fire spread to Yaji Mountain in Pinggu District from Miyun District on Beijing's northern outskirts at around noon on Saturday. [Photo: Xinhua]

Emergency response was activated immediately after the fire broke out. The fire in Miyun was extinguished by 3:30 p.m., with no casualties reported.

A forest fire fighter tries to put out the blaze at Yaji Mountain in Beijing's Pinggu District. The blaze started on a mountain in Miyun District on the northern outskirts of the city at around 12:23 p.m. on Saturday before spreading to Pinggu District at about 1 p.m. due to strong winds. [Photo: Xinhua]

About 600 local firefighters have been dispatched to quench the blaze. The ministry said another 300 firefighters from outside Beijing are coming to the aid.