Chongqing (Xinhua) -- Drought and persistent heat waves have caused a number of forest fires to break out in mountainous areas in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, according to the municipal information department.

More than 5,000 rescue workers, including elements of firefighters, armed forces and professional rescue teams as well as seven helicopters, have been mobilized to take part in putting out the fires.

More than 1,500 people have been evacuated to safe places.

There have been no reports of casualties so far.

And large parts of China are witnessing heat waves during the recent period. For example, Chongqing municipality is experiencing the most severe continuous heat wave since 1961.

On Sunday, the National Meteorological Center continued to issue a red alert for high temperatures, the most severe alert in China's four-level weather warning system.

That day was the tenth day in a row that the center issued a red alert for high temperatures.

The current heat waves are expected to gradually recede from August 26, according to the China Meteorological Administration.