Smoke and fire engulf the side of a foothill on Taishan Mountain on Monday. Multiple fires broke out on Monday in Shandong Province and spread up the sacred mountain. Firefighters were working to bring them under control as of print time on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

A fire broke out in Shandong Province on Monday morning and spread up Taishan Mountain, according to a report from local authorities.

Fires broke out around the mountainous area in Shandong's capital city of Jinan about 9 am.

Strong winds directed the fire toward Taishan Mountain, said Zhao Dekui, a representative from the provincial forestry department.

More than 300 firefighters were working to put out the fire in Jinan.

More firefighters have been summoned from neighboring cities and counties to join the effort, said a spokesman with Jinan's city forestry bureau.

Another 230 firefighters were sent to build a "buffer zone" in the prefecture-level city of Tai'an, where Taishan Mountain is located. Thirty-four fire engines are on standby, Zhao said.

Shandong has been prone to mountain fires lately due to recent dry weather and strong winds.

Another mountain fire in the province's city of Laiwu was brought under control after 1,000 firefighters spent 48 hours battling the fire.
 
No causalities have been reported, according to a statement issued by the city government Monday.

Taishan Mountain, one of China's Five Sacred Mountains, holds great historical and cultural significance.

Its peak, referred to as the "Jade Emperor Peak," is approximately 1,500 meters above sea level.

Xinhua