A man in Pingdu, Shandong province died in a fire while staying in a makeshift tent to guard land against being confiscated.

Three others who were staying with the 62-year-old were also injured in the blaze that occurred at around 1:30 am on Friday, according to qingdaonews.com. The report did not make clear how the fire started.

It was reported the four had disagreed with the village committee over income distribution from the land. Villagers said they guarded the land 24 hours a day.

Local police are investigating.