High forest fire risk, Da Nang tightens preventive measures

During the peak of the heatwave, the risk of forest fires in Da Nang remains high. Forest rangers, in coordination with local authorities, are simultaneously deploying forest fire prevention and control measures, stepping up public communication efforts, raising community awareness, and striving to prevent major fires while minimizing damage.

In Ra E village, Song Kon commune (Da Nang City), more than 200 Co Tu households engaged in afforestation consistently maintain forest protection activities throughout the dry season. Local residents proactively clear vegetation, establish firebreaks, and conduct regular patrols to reduce the risk of fire spread.

Mr. Po Loong Sang, a resident of Ra E village, said his family grows nearly 2 hectares of acacia and always gives top priority to fire prevention. From clearing vegetation and preparing equipment to staying ready to respond to incidents, every step is carried out rigorously. With regular guidance from forest rangers and local authorities, residents strictly comply with regulations prohibiting the use of fire in forests while maintaining safety corridors between plantation areas. As a result, no forest fires have occurred for many consecutive years.

Song Kon commune currently has more than 16,000 hectares of forest, including over 5,000 hectares of planted forest that provide a stable source of income for local residents. Facing a Level 5 forest fire risk, classified as extremely dangerous, the locality has strengthened control measures. Forest protection forces are on duty 24/7, while communication efforts are intensified, requiring residents to strictly avoid using fire in and near forest areas.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Sanh, Vice Chairman of the Song Kon Commune People’s Committee, said the locality strictly prohibits the burning of vegetation and slash-and-burn farming during peak heat periods to prevent fires from spreading into protected forests and special-use forests. Vegetation clearing activities are still permitted but must ensure absolute safety, with no use of fire in any form.

In Song Vang commune (Da Nang City), no forest fires have been recorded since the beginning of the year. This result is achieved thanks to intensified patrols and controls in border areas and key transport routes, along with close coordination between local authorities and forest rangers.

Mr. Bui Thien Phong, Vice Chairman of the Song Vang Commune People’s Committee, said that during the peak heat period, the locality has accelerated communication via the public loudspeaker system down to each village, increasing broadcast duration. All activities involving burning or field clearing must be authorized by competent authorities. At the same time, forest protection teams, in coordination with village administrations, directly visit households to raise awareness, contributing to effective control of forest fire risks.

According to statistics, Da Nang currently has about 745,000 hectares of forest land, including more than 503,000 hectares of natural forest and over 241,000 hectares of planted forest. Amid pressure on prolonged heat, authorities recommend that residents absolutely avoid using fire in forests and adjacent areas while strengthening patrols to early detect and timely respond to potential fire risks.

Mr. Ha Phuoc Phu, Deputy Head of the Da Nang Forest Protection Sub-Department, said the forest ranger force has proactively built and upgraded firebreak systems and access routes for firefighting, while establishing rapid-response teams involving thousands of participants.

"We are synchronously implementing forest fire prevention and control measures, maintaining 24/7 duty during peak heat periods to promptly handle arising situations and minimize both the number of incidents and damage caused by forest fires," Mr. Phu said.

In the context of prolonged heat, the risk of forest fires remains ever-present and unpredictable. The problem is not only to respond when fires occur but more importantly to take early, proactive preventive measures at the grassroots level. When every resident raises awareness, each locality tightens management, and functional forces maintain round-the-clock readiness, forests will gain more solid “shield” against the threat of large-scale fires.