In recent days, the weather in Cao Bang city has entered a period of prolonged drought, severe heat accompanied by strong northeast monsoon, causing the local forest fire forecast to always be at level IV - dangerous level.
In reality, the situation of forest fires is very complicated when there have been 5 consecutive forest fires in the communes and wards: Vinh Quang, Song Bang, Song Hien, De Tham, along with many other forest fires in other areas.
As of April 21, the total area of damaged forests had reached nearly 10 hectares, mainly planted forests in the production forest planning. In particular, a serious forest fire occurred in Hamlet 1, Vinh Quang Commune, killing one person.
The victim was identified as Mr. Tieu Van Sen, residing in the locality. Currently, the authorities are urgently investigating the cause of death and clarifying related details.
According to information from the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, as of April 21, 132 areas nationwide were warned of the risk of forest fires.
The level IV - dangerous level - forest fire risk group alone has increased to 97 areas, stretching from North to South, including many provinces such as Hai Phong, Vinh Phuc, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Gia Lai, Long An, Dong Thap, Ca Mau...
Fire risk points appear densely on the satellite warning map of the forest rangers, showing that the situation is very serious due to the weather for many days without rain, low humidity and continuous strong winds.
On April 22, speaking with reporters, Mr. Nong Van Trai - Head of the Cao Bang City Forest Protection Department - said that due to the risk of forest fires threatening natural resources and people's lives, the Cao Bang City government as well as the unit issued an urgent notice, requiring all people to strictly comply with forest fire prevention and fighting measures.
Specifically, all acts of using fire in and near the forest such as burning ground cover, burning garbage, burning grass, cooking outdoors, using fire to catch bees, smoking... during peak forest fires are strictly prohibited.
People need to proactively detect and report acts that pose a risk of causing forest fires to residential groups, village chiefs, police, and forest rangers to promptly prevent them. Forest owners are responsible for clearing the cover, increasing patrols, guarding and handling quickly when there are signs of fire.
When detecting a forest fire, people must immediately organize fire extinguishment on the spot, and at the same time report to local authorities, forest rangers, police, and military to coordinate rescue.
"Currently, the forest rangers are maintaining a 24/7 duty regime, regularly updating warning information and preparing plans to mobilize human resources and means to respond if a major forest fire occurs" - said a representative of the Cao Bang City Forest Protection Department.
Damage has occurred, human lives have been lost, this is a serious warning bell forcing each individual and each community to raise vigilance, sense of responsibility and take more drastic action to protect the forest - green lung leaves of each locality.
