Flames broke out around 12.30 pm on March 21 on Nghiem Mountain in Yen Son District and have continued to rage out of control.
Upon receiving the alert, Tuyen Quang authorities quickly arranged hundreds of people, including soldiers, police, militia, and residents, who swiftly moved to the scene. The teams initially worked to isolate the area and establish firebreaks to contain the flames. However, their efforts were hampered by rugged terrain and thick vegetation.
The scence of the fire (Photo by the Tuyen Quang Department of Police)
By 10:30 pm on the same day, the blaze had scorched over 20 hectares of forest. As conditions worsened, authorities called in reinforcements, bringing the firefighting force to around 800 people.
A local resident, 40, from Yen Son District was killed while battling the blaze.
Around 800 people mobilised to extinguish the fire (Photo by the Tuyen Quang Department of Police)
Nguyen The Giang, Vice Chairman of the Tuyen Quang People’s Committee, took direct command of the firefighting operation.
As of 5.30 am on March 22, the fire was still active, with strong winds, rugged terrain, and thick vegetation hindering firefighting efforts.
Local authorities have warned residents not involved in the operation to stay away from the fire zone for their safety.
