China holds memorial service for deceased in forest fire

Chinese State Councilor Wang Yong (2nd R, front) shakes hands with the families of the deceased during a memorial service for 30 people who died while fighting a forest fire in Xichang,southwest China's Sichuan Province, April 4, 2019. (Xinhua/Liu Kun)

State Councilor Wang Yong attended the service on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and State Council and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.

The 30 people, including 27 firefighters and three locals, were recognized as martyrs by the Ministry of Emergency Management and the Sichuan provincial government.

Wang said the martyrs are "role models in the new era."

More than 3,000 members of the public attended the service.