BEIJING: At least 26 firefighters have been killed while tackling a forest fire in south-western China, media reports said.

Fire fighters had been battling the blaze in the forest of Sichuan province on Sunday when a sudden change in wind direction caused a fireball, trapping them, officials said.

Twenty-six have been confirmed dead and a search is continuing for the other four firefighters, said.

Around 700 firefighters are battling the blaze in a remote area of Muli County. (Agencies)