On November 4, multiple locations in Qitaihe, Heilongjiang, burned straw simultaneously, causing large amounts of smoke to drift into residents' homes. The contributor claimed the burning was organized by the local government. Several students from Qitaihe No. 9 Middle School and No. 9 Primary School were taken to the hospital by ambulances; the cause has not been verified. On the same day, the local government issued a notice stating that it was orderly promoting the burning of straw at forest edges.