6 killed in forest fire in China

Six firefighters were killed today while battling a forest fire in south China's Guangdong province.

The fire broke out at midday in a mountain forest near two villages in Meixian district, Meizhou City, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

More than 210 forestry personnel and villagers rushed to the scene to contain the fire, which was brought under control at 2:30 pm.

An hour later, mountain winds in the area suddenly changed direction and the fire spread rapidly again, trapping eight firefighters.

Two survivors have been taken to hospital.