According to information from the Forestry and Forest Protection Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), April is the peak hot season of the year in many regions of Vietnam. Air humidity drops below 50%, even below 30% on dry windy days, causing forest fires to break out and spread rapidly.
This Department also issued a warning about the risk of forest fires in many localities at level V - extremely dangerous, the highest level in the forest fire warning level. In which, North Central Vietnam is the region most heavily affected by Lao wind (thirsty and hot West wind) in April. Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Quang Tri provinces have experienced large-scale forest fires for many consecutive years in this period. Pine forests, acacia... and dry grass carpets are the most flammable types, with rapid fire spread.
April is also the end of the dry season in the Central Highlands, so the soil layer (grass, dry leaves) is thick and dry after many months without rain. Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong provinces need to be especially vigilant, especially pine forests and Khop forests.
In addition, U Minh Thuong, U Minh Ha melaleuca forests and special-use forests in An Giang, Ca Mau... are at a high warning level. The layer of dry mud under the melaleuca forest is very difficult to extinguish when caught fire and can burn slowly for many days.
Provinces such as Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai also have a high risk of forest fires in April when the weather is dry. People burning fields at the beginning of the season is the most common cause of fires in this area.
The Forestry and Forest Protection Department also issued recommendations to people to absolutely not burn fires, not smoke in and near forests during the hot dry season. Do not burn fields, burn vegetation when there is strong wind or not permitted by functional agencies. When forest fires are detected, call immediately the forest rangers, fire police.... In particular, do not arbitrarily enter the forest when warning of forest fires at level IV - V.
At the same time, it is recommended that forest owners and management units strengthen patrols and guards in key areas, especially on days of level IV and V fires. Clear firebreaks and clean dry vegetation around residential areas near the forest and inspect and reserve sufficient fire fighting vehicles and tools ready to respond. It is necessary to pay attention to close coordination with forest rangers, police and local military forces when there is an emergency situation.
