A forest fire in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region had burned around 5,000 hectares of forest as of Thursday noon, Xinhua News Agency reported. More than 1,600 people are battling the blaze.

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The fire broke out at 12:00 p.m. BJT (0400 GMT) on Wednesday in Chenbaerhu Banner in the city of Hulunbuir.

A total of 1,615 people, including 705 forest police, are battling the fire. Eight aircraft and six armored vehicles have joined the firefighting team, according to local fire authorities.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.

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The spring temperatures in Inner Mongolia are higher than average, with dry vegetation increasing fire risks. On May 3, another fire in Bilahe Beidahe forest in Inner Mongolia engulfed over 10,000 hectares of forest.

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