At a meeting on April 5, the provincial Civil Defence Steering Committee reviewed forest protection and fire prevention efforts as risks remain elevated.
Since the start of the year, 13 forest fires have been reported, damaging around 4 hectares, mainly affecting undergrowth and causing limited impact on overall forest quality, according to the Dien Bien Department of Agriculture and Environment.
Most incidents were linked to slash-and-burn farming and vegetation clearing by local residents during periods of hot, dry weather. Many fires broke out at night, increasing the risk of rapid spread if not detected early.
Vice chairman of the Dien Bien People’s Committee Lo Van Cuong directed local authorities to maintain round-the-clock monitoring and strictly implement the “four on-the-spot” response principle.
In the first quarter, authorities carried out more than 1,200 patrols, mobilised nearly 6,000 personnel and intensified awareness campaigns, with thousands of residents pledging to protect forests.
Enforcement has also been strengthened, with 68 violations of forestry laws handled, including three criminal cases related to illegal deforestation.
Forest fire risk remains high, at times reaching level five, the most dangerous category, particularly in remote areas where slash-and-burn farming is still practised.
Authorities have urged residents to suspend burning activities during peak heat unless strictly supervised, warning that violations may face investigation and possible criminal charges.
In the longer term, Dien Bien plans to promote crop restructuring and reduce reliance on slash-and-burn practices to mitigate fire risks.
