Provincial authorities on June 1 announced a forest fire warning covering large parts of Nghe An Province.
According to the notice, extended hot weather combined with a shortage of rainfall has significantly increased the risk of forest fires, potentially causing severe damage to forests and threatening the environment, public health, property and human lives.
Authorities in Nghe An Province work to extinguish a forest fire (Illustrative photo: Chu Minh).
The warning places 122 of the province's 130 communes and wards under Level IV fire risk, classified as a "dangerous" level, for the period from June 1 to June 7.
In addition to intensifying public awareness campaigns on forest fire prevention, provincial authorities have instructed relevant agencies and local administrations to strengthen inspections and closely monitor the use of fire in and around forested areas.
Particular attention is being given to slash-and-burn farming activities, which are considered a major fire hazard during the current dry conditions.
Authorities have urged residents to temporarily suspend the use of fire for vegetation clearing and warned that strict penalties will be imposed on anyone whose actions create a risk of forest fires during the peak danger period.
Government agencies, local authorities and forest protection units have been ordered to maintain round-the-clock monitoring, establish checkpoints and conduct patrols in high-risk areas.
Access to forests identified as having elevated fire risks will also be subject to tighter controls in an effort to prevent potential outbreaks.
