A forest fire is reported at Phou Pha Nang mountain in Sangthong district, Vientiane. (Photo: thestar.com) Vientiane (VNA) – Fires caused by farmers burningscrubland in preparation for crop planting across Laos have made authorities struggling toextinguish the fires as the hot weather continues.
Over 400 soldiers, emergency rescue volunteers and local peoplehave teamed up to bring a wildfire under control at Phou Khao Khuay mountain inPakngum district, Vientiane, where at least 300 hectares of land are believedto be affected.
The fire has spread to more than 300 hectares of land in thevillages of Vernkabao, Xienglaena, Xienglaetha, and Non.
District authorities havegathered more than 400 soldiers and other individuals to help contain the fireand prevent it spreading further. Efforts are concentrated on preventing thefire reaching nearby tourist attractions such as Tad Tham Pha, Tad VangluangTaleo, and Nam Pien Yorlapa.
Wildfires broke out in the first two months of this year.
Elsewhere,a fire has been burning in Sangthong district. In the last seven days, districtleaders called for assistance from government officials, soldiers, the police,village authorities and adults to put out the fire in the Phou Phanang NationalForest, which has spread through three villages.
In Luang Prabang province, soldiers in Viengkham district werealso called on to bring a forest fire under control.
Fires are common in the dry and hot season, with temperatures inVientiane currently hitting 39degrees Celsius.
Agricultural burning has caused unprecedented air pollution inVientiane and other parts of the country, with amounts of airborne particulatematter reaching hazardous levels.
Authorities have advisedthe people to avoid outdoor activities and to wear a face mask when spendingtime outside./.
