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Forest fire in southwest China that killed 31 people caused by lightning, investigation says
- Pine tree identified as origin of deadly blaze that happened in remote area of Sichuan province
- Most of those killed were aged in their 20s, at least two were just teenagers
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A forest fire in southwest China last month that killed 27 firefighters and four helpers in one of the country’s deadliest days for first responders was caused by lightning, investigators said.
Acting on accounts of eyewitnesses in Sichuan province’s Muli county, investigators identified an 18-metre (59-foot) pine tree split by lightning as the origin point of the blaze, which happened in a remote area at an altitude of about 3,800 metres.
After igniting the tree, the fire spread to the thick layer of decomposed plant material on the ground.
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The 31 people died after wind, dry air and combustible material created an explosive effect. A firefighter who survived the blaze said it advanced so quickly that trees on the ridge were consumed within seconds, with flames rocketing up as if “someone triggered a huge flame-thrower”.
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Most of the dead were in their 20s, although at least two were teenagers. One had recently married.
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