Over 1,600 people battling forest fire in north China

HOHHOT -- More than 1,600 people, including forest police, are battling a forest fire in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, authorities said Thursday.

The fire broke out Wednesday in a forest in Chenbaerhu Banner in the city of Hulunbuir and had burned through around 5,000 hectares as of Thursday noon, according to local fire authorities.

Eight aircraft and six armored vehicles have joined the firefighting team to extinguish the blaze, it said.

More than 1,700 forest police are ready to join the efforts if required.

This spring, temperatures in Inner Mongolia are higher than average, with dry vegetation increasing fire risks.