The Da Nang Forest Protection Department has issued a red forest fire warning as the extreme heat has been widespread across the city in recent times. As a results, relevant agencies are putting forth their greatest effort to prevent and control the spread of wildfires in a bid to minimise damage to the city’s forest property.

The city rangers patrol on the route from Ca Nong to Ta No forests in late May 2021. Photo: HOANG HIEP

Wildfire prevention efforts

In recent times, the Son Tra - Ngu Hanh Son interdistrict Forest Protection Department has worked with the authorities in Tho Quang Ward and functional forces in Son Tra District to conduct regular patrols during which many picnickers were found to have lighten a fire to cook or smoked in forests on the Son Tra Penisula.

The mobilisation, assembly and prepositioning of resources such as water tankers, machinery, and personnel have been carried out to support to high risk areas on the Penisula. The focus is being paid on tightening monitoring of forest caretakers on the Son Tra Penisula for their compliance with the city’s guidance on safety practice for forestry operations.

The So Mountain and surrounding areas of Hoa Son Cemetery in Hoa Son Commune, Hoa Vang District, are facing the highest risk of forest fires. In fact, a number of widfires which have burned in wildland vegetation and planted forests have been reported in these areas, and human carelessness is a major cause of wildfires.

The Hoa Vang Forest Protection Department has closely worked with the Hoa Son Commune authorities to raise public awareness of the city’s rules, prescriptions and recommendations for health and safety in the forest sector. They also issued a strong reminder for every one to be vigilant of potential fire hazards at these high-risk areas.

The public is encouraged to be mindful of the dangers when burning incense at the grave site.

Residents are asked to refrain from burning vegetation in windland, as fires can get easily out of control and cause unwanted damage to the forests.

Raising forest fire warning to highest level

The risk of forest fires in Da Nang has reached the fifth and highest level as high temperatures and dry weather persist in the city.

Safety measures are being put in place at high-risk areas. It is also illegal to burn growing vegetation on uncultivated land. It notes that current fire risks are mainly associated with illegal burning of vegetation in forests.

The Da Nang is calling on relevant agencies and forest caretakers to implement all recommended measures to prevent forest fires.

Rangers will increase patrols to keep a close watch on travellers and picnickers who fail to comply safety measures to prevent fire incidents.

Reporting by HOANG HIEP – Translating by H.L