A forest fire broke out Thursday in the north Chinese region of Inner Mongolia, the local forestry authority has confirmed.

The fire was spotted at about 2:30 PM in the Hudiqi, Chaoyang and Naimuhe forestry farms which are under the management of the Dayangshu Forestry Bureau in the Greater Higgnan Mountains, said a spokesman with the regional forest fire command center.

The fire quickly spread to a large area. It took more than 1,400 fire fighters and police officers 20 hours to get the fire under control, the spokesman said. Fire still burned at Hudiqi farm as of press time.

The total area affected could not be immediately confirmed. An investigation has begun.

Dry spell and drought have heightened the risk of forest fire for the Greater Higgnan Mountains since early this year.

Last month, the Kuizhong forestry farm, also under the Dayangshu Forestry Bureau, was hit by fire. No casualties were reported but six officials at the farm were dismissed from their posts for dereliction of duty.

(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2008)