Yunnan Torch Festival Accident Burns 16 in Xuanwei

Sixteen people suffered burns of varying degrees when a plastic bucket containing flammable liquid was accidentally tipped over during a Torch Festival celebration in Xuanwei City, Yunnan Province, according to an official statement released by the Xuanwei Municipal Government Information Office on August 8. The incident occurred in the evening of August 6 at the Wusa Village Group in Lefeng Township, where villagers had gathered to celebrate the traditional festival.

The Incident

According to the official situation report, villagers were using flammable liquid to ignite torches when the plastic container was accidentally knocked over, causing the liquid to spill and ignite. The resulting fire burned 16 people who were at the scene. Video footage circulating on social media shows a large crowd gathered around a central torch when a sudden burst of flame erupted, sending people fleeing in panic. Some individuals had their clothing catch fire and fell to the ground, rolling to extinguish the flames, as Guancha (Observer) reported.

Emergency Response

Following the incident, Xuanwei City immediately activated its emergency response plan, dispatching health, emergency management, and public security departments, along with Lefeng Township staff, to the scene to provide treatment for the injured and maintain order. According to the official statement, the injured are currently receiving hospital treatment with stable conditions, and follow-up work is proceeding in an orderly manner. The Phoenix News (Ifeng) report confirmed that broadcast announcements at the scene urged people to evacuate and not to gather, while security personnel were called in to maintain order.

The Torch Festival Tradition

The Torch Festival is a significant traditional celebration observed by the Yi, Bai, Naxi, Hani, and other ethnic groups in southwestern China. Held on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, the festival involves lighting torches, dancing around bonfires, and various celebratory activities. It has been listed in China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage list and has become a major tourist attraction in recent years, drawing visitors from across the country.

Lefeng Township, where the accident occurred, is located in the northeastern part of Xuanwei City and is a multi-ethnic township. The Wusa Grassland, covering approximately 12,000 mu (about 800 hectares), sits at the intersection of three townships and is known for its scenic terraced fields and natural beauty, as The Paper reported.

Recurring Safety Concerns

This incident highlights a broader pattern of safety concerns at Torch Festival celebrations across Yunnan. In July 2025, multiple tourists were burned during “fire jumping” activities at the Dali Torch Festival when rosin, a traditional accelerant, was thrown into fires, causing flames to suddenly surge several meters high. One hospital reported receiving over 10 burn patients in just two days, and local fire departments tested that 500 grams of rosin powder could raise flame temperature by 300°C in 0.3 seconds, according to 163.com reports.

A separate incident in Dali’s Xiaguan area saw a tourist suffer second-degree facial burns at a spontaneously organized event. The tourist reported that people around him were throwing rosin into the fire, causing flames to surge above his head. The Dali Culture and Tourism Bureau had published safety reminders advising against bringing flammable materials to core ignition areas, as Cover News reported.

Commentators have noted that many Torch Festival events are spontaneously organized by villagers without proper safety measures, emergency plans, or firefighting equipment. The use of flammable liquids such as gasoline or alcohol to ignite torches is particularly dangerous, as demonstrated by this week’s incident in Xuanwei.

Implications and Outlook

The Xuanwei accident raises important questions about the balance between preserving traditional cultural practices and ensuring public safety. As the Torch Festival grows in popularity as a tourist attraction, the risk of incidents involving uninformed visitors increases. Some regions have begun implementing safety improvements, such as Xizhou in Dali, which now uses electronic flames alongside traditional torches to reduce risk.

Analysts suggest this incident may prompt authorities to strengthen safety requirements for community-organized festivals. The specific type of flammable liquid used in the bucket, the severity of the burns sustained by the 16 injured, and whether any investigation or accountability measures will follow remain open questions. What is clear is that the tension between cultural celebration and public safety will continue to demand attention as these traditional events evolve in the modern era.