Accoridng to Hoang Thi Nhu Thanh, chairwoman of the An Cuu Ward People's Committee, on October 31 that local authorities were working with relevant agencies to survey the area and develop plans for the project.
The proposed firebreak would help prevent fires spreading between nearby residential areas, cemeteries and the mountain's special-use forest, while providing access for firefighting vehicles.
The project would cover an area bordered by Ngu Binh, Hoang Thi Loan, Dang Huy Tru and Nguyen Khoa Chiem streets.
Plans include a firebreak and an access road with a combined length of 1.7 kilometres and a proposed width of five metres.
At a meeting on October 31, local authorities, forest rangers and relevant agencies agreed to prioritise a vegetation-free firebreak in the first phase, alongside a road around the forest, without affecting the existing protected pine forest.
Thanh said the ward would seek approval from Hue authorities once the proposal was finalised.
Construction could begin in early 2027, subject to approval by the ward People's Council, to strengthen wildfire prevention ahead of the summer fire season.
The project is estimated to cost VND 34.5 billion, with funding to be requested from the municipal government.
Scars from a forest fire earlier this summer remain visible on Ngu Binh Mountain. (Photo: Vi Thao)
Standing 103 metres high on the southern bank of the Perfume River, Ngu Binh Mountain is a well-known landmark associated with Hue's former imperial capital.
The Nguyen Dynasty selected the mountain as a natural protective screen when planning the Hue Imperial Citadel.
According to local authorities, the mountain is surrounded by residential areas and old burial grounds, where burning incense and votive paper frequently causes forest fires.
Officials said the firebreak was urgently needed to contain the spread of fires and improve emergency access, which is currently difficult in some areas.
The ward is also considering installing surveillance cameras, designated facilities for burning votive offerings and additional water storage tanks to strengthen wildfire prevention and firefighting capabilities.
