Forest Fires Spread Across Tibetan Regions, Authorities Limit Information

Four forest fires have erupted in Tibetan areas over the past two weeks, with the largest in Kyirong county, Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), burning over 40 square kilometers. According to Radio Free Asia, Chinese authorities have restricted locals from sharing information online. Fires have also been reported in Gangri township (TAR) and two locations in Sichuan province. Authorities have dispatched limited firefighting resources, and the cause remains unknown. Satellite images show the Kyirong fire spreading near the Nepal border. Despite the ongoing threat, China has only declared a low-level emergency response.