828 communes at extreme risks of forest fire

On May 30, the VNFOREST announced that approximately 1,566 communes nationwide are at risk of forest fires, with 828 at the highest warning level.

Due to prolonged dry weather and the absence of rainfall over many consecutive days, 411 communes are currently under Level III forest fire warning (high risk), 327 communes under Level IV warning (dangerous), and 828 communes under Level V warning (extremely dangerous).

Compared with the previous day, May 29, the number of locations under forest fire risk warnings decreased by 216. The locality with the highest number of areas under forest fire risk warnings across all three levels on May 30 was Khanh Hoa province, with 288 locations.

It was followed by Thanh Hoa province with 144 locations, Nghe An province with 117, Gia Lai province with 104, Dak Lak province with 86, Da Nang city with 82, Quang Ngai province with 72, Ha Tinh province with 65, and Thai Nguyen province with 63.

Reports from VNFOREST's monitoring system also show that there were forest fire risk warnings for 16 locations in Hanoi and 18 locations in Ho Chi Minh City.

In response to the situation, authorities have advised local governments to assign personnel for 24/7 watch duty, closely monitor developments, and promptly handle any fire outbreaks from the outset to prevent them from escalating into major forest fires.

Earlier, on May 26, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued Official Dispatch No. 5344/BNNMT-LNKL to provincial and municipal People’s Committees, requesting local leaders to direct relevant agencies to strengthen inspections and control measures in high-risk forest areas.

The ministry also instructed localities to review, update, and effectively implement forest fire prevention and firefighting plans for forest owners and management units in accordance with legal regulations. In addition, authorities were urged to ensure sufficient personnel, equipment, and supplies while maintaining focus to coordinate emergency responses in case forest fire incidents occurred.

Local governments were also asked to intensify communication, public awareness campaigns, and legal education on forestry in order to improve public responsibility for forest fire prevention and control. Measures include monitoring and providing guidance on the use of fire in and near forest areas, particularly slash-and-burn agricultural activities.

In the event of a forest fire, provincial and municipal authorities are required to promptly mobilize forces, vehicles, and firefighting equipment to minimize damage. They are also instructed to quickly address losses, restore burned forest areas as soon as possible, and direct competent agencies to investigate the causes of fires and identify those responsible for violations, ensuring strict legal action in accordance with the law.

Intense heat is occurring across a wide area, with the peak predicted to continue in provinces from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang city and the South Central coastal region. Maximum temperatures commonly range from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius, with many places recording exceptionally high temperatures.

According to the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, under the impact of climate change and the El Niño phenomenon, intense heat will continue in many localities, leading to a very high risk of forest fires.