Da Nang faces extremely high forest fire risk due to prolonged hot weather. Therefore, forest rangers and localities have proactively taken forest fire prevention and fighting solutions with the “Four on-the-spot motto”, ready to respond to any unexpected situations to ensure the safety of the forests.

Last year, there were no forest fires that caused damage to forest resources in the city. IN PHOTO: The Son Tra - Ngu Hanh Son Inter-District Forest Ranger Department conducts forest fire prevention and fighting inspection on the Son Tra Peninsula. Photo: VAN HOANG

Skills and responsibility for forest fire prevention enhanced

Hoa Vang District has more than 53,455 hectares of area planned for forestry use, accounting for 72.91% of the total natural area, distributed across 61 sub-zones and areas outside the sub-zone in 8 communes.

The forest area in the district is characterised by terrain with steep slopes, and many rivers and streams. It is adjacent to some localities of Quang Nam and Thua Thien Hue provinces. Therefore, the forest protection and development work faces many difficulties.

However, thanks to forest rangers’ strong determination of "protecting forests at the root", no forest fires occurred in the district last year. The district’s forest coverage was maintained at 69.46% (the national forest coverage reached 42.02%).

Localities have established 8 mobile teams and 42 mass teams to protect forests and prevent forest fires with more than 500 people in total. Propaganda work is enhanced and implemented in many forms, contributing to raising community awareness about forest fire prevention.

In addition to propaganda work, methods to improve skills and expertise, and the coordination among forces participating in fire prevention and fighting, are regularly deployed by forest rangers.

On the Son Tra Peninsula, in April 2024, forest rangers, quick response forces for forest fire prevention and fighting, and other relevant units, have participated in forest fire drill.

Organised by the Son Tra - Ngu Hanh Son Inter-District Forest Protection Department, the drill aimed to propagate the sense of responsibility in fire prevention work; evaluate the operational capabilities of equipped fire-fighting vehicles and tools; and review the coordination between on-site forces in fighting forest fires to promptly handle incidents, minimizing damage caused by forest fires.

Minimize damage when there is a forest fire

Mr. Ngo Truong Chinh, Head of the Son Tra - Ngu Hanh Son Inter-District Forest Protection Department, said that since the beginning of the dry season, the district’s forest rangers have coordinated with the local authorities to regularly patrol and remind picnickers to be careful in using fire to prepare food and smoking in the Son Tra Peninsula and forest edge areas. In particular, the peninsular welcomes a large number of tourists, posing a very high risk of forest fires.

The local forest ranger force has implemented a number of solutions, including the motto "four-on-the-spot" at forest fire hotspots. The interdisciplinary team also rotates patrols throughout the day, especially during rush hours; as well as reminds tourists not to use fire to cook food or smoke in the forest and areas near the forest.

Mr. Nguyen Van Truyen, Head of the Lien Chieu District Forest Ranger Sub-Department, also said that the coordination, supervision, and assurance of forest fire safety in key areas are well done. Moreover, the unit regularly mobilises forest owners, organisations and individuals operating in forests and forest edges to sign commitments to implement regulations.

At the same time, a quick response team with forces who are forest economic developers and are familiar with the terrain of Hai Van forest has been established in order to promptly handle unexpected situations.

Over 120 people have been mobilised to participate in forest protection activities at the grassroots level.

Special attention has been paid to guiding forest owners to develop forest fire prevention plans according to regulations, as well as inspecting, maintaining and repairing fire prevention and fighting tools and equipment at construction sites in order to be ready to handle when a fire occurs.

Mr. Phan The Dung, Director of the Da Nang Forest Protection Department, said that forest fire prevention work is always given top priority, especially in the dry season. Since the beginning of the year, the department has directed forest ranger forces at districts, especially forest owners, to review plans and supplement them in accordance with the actual situation at the grassroots.

“Minimising damage caused by forest fires and warning about forest fire prevention and fighting are key tasks in this dry season. Thanks to great efforts and good cooperation of the government and people, no major fires have been recorded in the city" Mr. Dung emphasised.

Reporting by VAN HOANG - Translating by M.DUNG