A forest warden is trying to put out a fire. Fire warning on high level in many localities. (Source: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Many localities across the country, especially in the Northwestern, Central, Central Highlands and Mekong Delta regions, face extremely high forest fire risk due to hot weather and prolonged drought, according to the Vietnam Forest Administration.
According to the agency under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, warning alerts are at Level V, the extremely dangerous level, in 20 provinces and cities.
Eight other localities put the warning at Level IV, the dangerous level.
The administration asked localities with high forest fire risks to immediately take precautionary measures as regulated, getting forces ready for putting any occurring fires under control.
The measures also include increasing the number of forest rangers to guide locals on safe farming practices, zoning off areas where slash-and-burn practice is strictly forbidden and keeping strict control on those who enter or leave forest.
The police and army are asked to coordinate with forest rangers in fire prevention and have their human resources, materials, equipment and logistics ready for any fires.
Earlier, the Prime Minister instructed chairmen of municipal and provincial People’s Committees to take drastic measures on fire prevention and firefighting.
According to the Vietnam Forest Administration, in the past days many serious forest fires have occurred in Son La, Dien Bien, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Ba Ria Vung Tau, Tay Ninh, Dong Nai, causing great damages.-VNA
