Premier Li Keqiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, called for an all-out effort to nip fire risks in the bud, reinforce short links in infrastructure facilities, safeguard people’s lives and property, and national ecological security, according to a recent instruction.

As most Chinese regions have already entered spring fire-prevention periods for forests and grassland, Premier Li said, departments and units at all levels should further step up their respective responsibilities in all areas.

Basic tasks should be consolidated, such as publicity and education, monitoring and early warning, identifying of potential ignition sources, and eliminating of hidden fire hazards, the Premier noted.

He also asked related departments to be on high alert to curb the occurrence of grave forest and grassland conflagration by beefing up construction of the emergency plan system and professional teams and enhancing quick response and efficient fire-fighting capabilities.

State Councilor Wang Yong emphasized sound implementation of work in fire prevention for forests and grasslands at a teleconference on March 18.

All stakeholders should strive to prevent any kind of major disasters, casualties, and accidents, and uphold a safe and stable environment for economic and social development, Wang said.

Wang also required departments to draw up a systematic plan for forest and grassland fire-prevention work during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, beef up grassroots-level competence in an all-around manner, and rapidly usher in a modern governance system on the matter.