China is set to take solid measures to bolster fire prevention and control in forests and grasslands, effectively addressing the challenges posed by climate change and other risk factors, according to a press conference on Wednesday.

The State Council Information Office holds a press conference on comprehensively strengthening forest and grassland fire prevention and control in Beijing on May 17, 2023. [Photo by Liu Jian/China SCIO]

Zhang Yongli, director of the Office of the National Forest and Grassland Fire Prevention and Fighting Command, introduced that a recently released document details plans for fire prevention and control in forests and grasslands. These plans include deepening source control and risk prevention, encouraging society-wide participation in fire prevention efforts, and coordinating infrastructure development to enhance fire control capabilities.

The document also emphasizes the promotion of water-based firefighting methods and improving aerial and ground firefighting coordination. Safety should be prioritized in all fire prevention and control activities, according to the document.

To confront climate change and other risk factors, China will optimize resource allocation, boost aviation rescue capabilities, employ advanced technologies to improve fire control effectiveness and efficiency, and bolster professional command capabilities to minimize fire risks to the greatest extent, said Yan Peng, an official with the National Fire and Rescue Administration, during the press conference.

By 2030, China aims to significantly improve its capabilities in forest and grassland fire prevention and control, heighten public awareness of fire prevention, and comprehensively enhance the country's overall level of prevention and control measures.