Walking towards fire Everyday citizens, also heroes

News provided by

China.org.cn

Sep 05, 2022, 09:00 ET

BEIJING, Sept. 5, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from China.org.cn on Chongqing's mountain fire and the greatness of the ordinary people:

This video you see was filmed just several days ago in Chongqing, China.

Walking towards fire Everyday citizens, also heroes

The red captures the blazing forest mountain fires, while the light blue emanates from the headlamps of all those walking towards the fire.

Chongqing, a metropolis in south-west China, is aptly dubbed the "mountain city". So much of the city is built on the mountains that it's hard to distinguish between the two. The scorching heat in late August set alight mountain fires across multiple spots in Chongqing. Some of the fires lasted for days, and in order to prevent them from rampaging to residential areas, fire fighters immediately got down to business.

The mountains, home to dense forests and perilous slopes, render them virtually impassable to automobiles. In such case, motorcycles are the most ideal option for carrying goods and personnel to the frontline. On hearing this, motorcycle dealers, motorcycle lovers, or even delivery drivers lined up to volunteer. Ding Yuncong, a fresh college graduate who claims himself to be "a lazy heat-fearing" guy, joined the volunteers without the slightest hesitation. Lacking a luggage rack on his motorbike, Ding carried all the goods on his shoulder. 25-year-old female rider Wu Puhui is an experienced motorcyclist. She rode up the mountain several dozen times every day, carrying more than 40 kilos of goods. The red bow she tied on her helmet adds a vivid spectacle to the dusty mountain paths. After a few days of volunteering, many motorbikes were worn out and needed repair. The owners, who have always cherished their motorbikes, did not say a single word of complaint.

While the motorcyclists kept the lifeblood of supplies running, many others did not sit around idly. Francis Stonier, an associate professor at Southwest University, responded quickly when he learned that experienced chainsaw users were needed. Together with other volunteers, he assembled 50 chainsaws on short notice. He said Chongqing is also his home. A restaurant owner in Chongqing provided food for frontline firefighters, and when preparing the food, she kept telling her staff to "pack more meat" for them. Firefighters who went downhill after fighting the flames took a rest at a villager's courtyard, and some were so tired that they fell asleep on the ground. The 95-year-old owner felt great sympathy and cooked porridge for them. She said: "I just want to feed these kids." Helping with fire-fighting, patrolling, creating fire breaks, transporting supplies, coordinating, logistical support… People despite their age, gender or origin, devoted themselves to these challenging tasks. They are all just ordinary people. But in the face of devouring fires, the love and selflessness that come from within has made every ordinary person a hero.

All the mountain fires in Chongqing have now been put out. In the wake of this disaster, locals are planning to plant new trees to rejuvenate the mountains in Chongqing next spring.

China Mosaic

http://www.china.org.cn/video/node_7230027.htm

Walking towards fire Everyday citizens, also heroes

http://www.china.org.cn/video/2022-09/05/content_78405464.htm

SOURCE China.org.cn