All-out rescue efforts urged after deadly fire

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping has demanded all-out rescue efforts following a deadly fire that occurred at a poultry slaughterhouse in Northeast China's Jilin province on Monday.

In a special instruction given after the fire, Xi, who is currently on a visit to Costa Rica, said efforts should be made to minimize casualties.

The fire, which broke out Monday morning at a workshop owned by the Jilin Baoyuanfeng Poultry Company in Mishazi Township in the city of Dehui, has left 119 dead thus far.

Xi has urged authorities to ascertain the cause of the fire and hold those responsible accountable.

He said lessons should be drawn from the fire and effective measures should be put in place to prevent major accidents from happening.

Premier Li Keqiang in a separate instruction asked local authorities to prioritize life-saving efforts.

Li said professional elements should be assembled to conduct an efficient rescue operation.

State Councilor Guo Shengkun has been dispatched on the behalf of central authorities to direct rescue operations at the scene.