Summary At least 36 people died during China's week-long Lunar New Year festival on Saturday.
BEIJING (Online): According to Chinese state media, Chinese traditionally set off fireworks to welcome in the New Year and ward off evil spirits.
Reports said more than 6,500 fires broke out across the country from February 9 to 15th, causing property losses of 58 million yuan ($9 million).
It cited a statement from the fire department of the ministry of public security. It didn t say what caused the fires.
The Lunar New Year celebration also known as Spring Festival is China s most important family holiday.
There were fewer fireworks than normal in the capital, Beijing, this year, following government appeals to reduce them following particularly bad air pollution.
