The fire broke out yesterday on Taihe Mountain in Chengyang District of Shandong Province.
The fire was controlled by evening, however, two forest rangers trapped by the fire died at the scene,the provincial forestry department said, adding, two suspects have been detained by the police.
Another ranger is in hospital for burn injuries, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
The fire was found to have been caused by people burning "fake" paper money and incense ahead of the Tomb Sweeping Day on April 4.