Repeated fires have damaged dozens of hectares of coastal protection forest in Quang Tri this year, leaving large areas of trees scorched and dead after the dry season.
Along a road through the coastal forest in Ninh Chau Commune, many trees have been left dead and bare, while much of the undergrowth has disappeared, exposing white sand between charred trunks.
Ninh Chau recorded five forest fires in 2026, including two large outbreaks in late May and early June that affected dozens of hectares of coastal forest.
Following administrative restructuring, Ninh Chau covers more than 86 square kilometres, including over 3,300 hectares of forest and forestry land, mainly planted with acacia, melaleuca, casuarina and eucalyptus.
Tran Van Lai, vice chairman of the Ninh Chau Commune People's Committee, said the risk of forest fires had increased as much of the forest managed by the commune lies in areas where large construction projects are under way, resulting in heavy movements of people and vehicles.
Even a small lapse could start a fire, he added.
The forests also border scattered burial sites that have yet to be relocated to designated cemeteries, with incense and votive paper burning posing another fire risk.
Fires have also damaged dozens of hectares of coastal forest in Cam Hong Commune during recent periods of hot weather.
Near wind turbines, many trees burned in July remain dead and bare, with only sparse vegetation left.
