The central coastal province of Ninh Thuan is enhancing measures to prevent forest fires as the dry season has arrived, bringing with the Level 5 warnings, the highest level for a number of forest areas, indicating extreme fire hazards.

Localities in the province have been requested to increase forest patrols, prepare any necessary equipment and improve fire-fighting technique trainings.

Rangers monitor personal fires inside and around the edges of the forest, especially given the slash and burn method common among local residents.

Local authorities also work to raise public awareness about the dangers of forest fires and prevention measures.

According to the provincial Department of Forest Management, 11 fires have been recorded across the province since the beginning of the year, destroying roughly 5.6 hectares of forest.

Ninh Thuan is currently home to 148,600 hectares of forest, including 85,400 hectares of protective forest and 30,000 hectares of productive forest.-VNA