KUNMING, Jan. 7 -- More than 1,000 people are trying to put out a forest fire which broke out on Monday in southwest China's Yunnan Province, local authorities said Tuesday.

The forest near Xinjian Village, Jinjiang Township of Shangri-La County, caught fire at around 3 p.m., said the county's publicity department.

No casualties have been reported so far, it added. The area is not a tourist site.

Locals and firefighters are trying to put out the fire, which spread quickly due to strong winds.

As of Tuesday noon, the fire had engulfed an area of eight hectares. The steep mountain where the forest is has made it difficult for firefighting efforts.

Police in Shangri-La are investigating the cause of the blaze.