About 30 hectares of pine forests were destroyed this afternoon after a fire broke out at 1:00 pm in Chau Loc Village, Hau Loc District, Thanh Hoa Province.
The fire first erupted near the foot of the mountain in the vicinity of Han Temple and then spread to the surrounding forest areas.
Forest wardens had to resort to giant fans to stop the fire from sweeping through nearby forests in Hoang Khanh Village, Hoang Hoa District.
The wildfire was extinguished after three hours. Many forest rangers were then asked to stay at the scene in anticipation of another outbreak.
Local residents said the fire might have been ignited by visitors to the temple who had possible set fire to something in a religious ritual there.
The local authorities are investigating the cause.
A view of the fire scene
Local authorities are trying to bring the fire under control.
The raging fire started at noon when temperatures reached a climax and winds blowed strongly.
The fire burns wildly.
After the flame is snuffed