A large fire destroying about 5 hectares of timber plantations in the Ham Vang Mountain, Hoa Hiep Bac Ward, Lien Chieu District, Da Nang, is now under control.

Smoke could be seen rising above the forest from early afternoon of July 18

The fire service confirmed it took two days to bring the fire under control. There could be flares from time to time but as of this hour, extinguishing efforts are nearing an end. From now on, the field will be cooled off and other actions will follow.

Hundreds of people, including forest rangers, firefighters, police officers and military men, in Lien Chieu District participated in efforts to extinguish the large fire which broke out on July 18 noon.

Witnesses reported seeing plumes of thick black smoke billowing over an area of the site ablaze in the mountain, and they rang firefighters for help.

However, those involved in firefighting found it very difficult to access the burning area due to its difficult terrain combined with strong winds, and the hot and dry conditions.

A firefighter taking water from the Cu De River in an effort to extinguish the flames

The fire smoldered overnight until the following morning, and the flames became worse as spreading into other areas. More dangerously, at about 10.00am on July 19, residents living near the burning area could hear bullets inside the mountain exploding, causing them to panic.

According to initial estimates, about 5 hectares of timber plantations in the Mt. Ham Vang were completely destroyed.

Initial investigation showed that the cause of the incident was thought to be that local residents burned incense and paper offerings in the temple at the foot of the mountain.

The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

By NGOC DOAN - Translated by M.D