Hill fire in Hong Kong under control after burning for over 17 hours

A hill fire in the northwestern part of Hong Kong is under control after burning for more than 17 hours.

The Fire Services Department said the fire was brought under control at around 10.40am on Sunday. The remaining area covered by the blaze had diminished to about 400 square metres (4,300 sq ft), with a fire line measuring around 25 square metres.

The blaze on Kai Kung Leng, a mountain range in Lam Tsuen Country Park, was first reported at 5.30pm on Saturday, with two hikers stranded. At its most intense, the fire line stretched 500 metres (1,640ft), according to local media reports.

Firefighters deployed fire extinguishers to tackle the flames, while the Government Flying Services sent helicopters to drop water bombs, the department said.

The Big Tree Animal Sanctuary and Adoption Centre in Kam Tin said on Sunday that the part of the fire that had threatened its shelter had been put out at 5.30am.

The non-profit shelter has about 170 abandoned dogs and cats under its care, according to its social media page.