The Beijing Municipal government has begun to use helicopters to patrol above the forests in hilly areas to prevent fires.

Because of the dry and windy climate in spring, Beijing has to strengthen its ability to prevent forest fires.

Forest guards say the helicopter is fast, agile and can expand the monitoring area to some 200 kilometers.

Forests around Beijing are estimated to be worthy of 27 billion US dollars.

(CRI April 2, 2004)