Da Nang and other localities in the central region are facing the high risk of forest fires sparked by the ongoing extreme heatwave, the General Department of Forestry has warned.

The scene of Tuesday’s grass fire

In reality, recent large flames across the region were directly caused by human error and negligence.

In particular, Da Nang is home to many tourist sites nestled in primeval forests, and these inviting places are attracting a growing number of tourists during the ongoing summer break.

A total of more than 60,000 ha of forests surrounding these tourist sites are now at high risk of fire due to visitors’ irresponsible acts, including the burning of debris, equipment use and malfunctions, negligently discarded cigarettes, and campfires left unattended.

A camera surveillance system has been put into use for forest assessment and monitoring at tourist sites becoming increasingly vulnerable to fire. Also, the forest rangers have been provided with sufficient modern equipment for first aid fire fighting. Besides, the Son Tra-Ngu Hanh Son Forest Ranger Division has increased their patrols for forest fire detection in the Son Tra Nature Reserve.

On Tuesday, a total of local 200 firefighters and 8 fire engines were sent to the scene of a large grass fire at the foot of Son Tra Peninsula which broke out at around 1.00pm .

After the incident, 2 fire engines and dozens of fire fighters were still on duty at the scene to stop the fire from ever returning

Due to the hot weather associated with strong winds and sultry conditions, the fire quickly raged through a total of 2ha of weeds, shrubs, dry grasses, and locally-grown banana trees.

Thanks to the great efforts of the firefighters, the blaze had been completely extinguished by 2.30pm.

The cause of the incident is still under investigation.