(ECNS) -- The Beijing government has called for all-out efforts to clean up flying catkins that are suspected of fueling a massive fire that destroyed about 90 vehicles during the May Day holiday.
The municipal office of the people's government in Beijing issued an emergency notice to control catkins, a yearly annoyance for city residents.
It bans burning the cotton-like flowers shed by millions of female poplar and willow trees and requires them being sprayed by water near sensitive areas including schools, gas stations, parks and cultural relics.
The notice said the wind-borne flowers should not be burned directly due to the high possibility of starting a fire during dry weather and a deluge of catkins.
Beijing also vows to improve the administration of using fire or electricity in outdoor areas including burning grass on disused land or smoking near forests.
All districts in city are urged to be actively prepared for emergencies and try to limit the effects of fire.
