About 2,000 fire fighters have won a five-day battle to bring a forest fire in southwest China's Sichuan Province under control.

"Their efforts have prevented the fire from spreading," Guo Yongxiang, Sichuan vice-governor and a member of the provincial emergency team, said Sunday.

But the risk of the fire re-igniting was still high, he said, instructing fire fighters do their best to fully extinguish the flames while ensuring their own safety.

Initial investigations indicate the fire was started by a lightning strike, said the emergency team headquarters.

The fire started on Monday in Mailuo, Muli County and quickly advanced on four fronts.

The inaccessible landscape and dry weather had hindered fire fighters.

Forest rangers and local residents were mobilized to help fight the blaze. No casualties have been reported.

(Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2006)