U Minh Ha enters forest fire prevention peak
Ca Mau currently has a total forestry land area of 148,196ha, of which the area likely to cause forest fires is 45,804ha. In recent days, prolonged drought, intense heat with strong winds have pushed the risk of forest fires to a high level, especially in the U Minh Ha melaleuca forest area.
According to the Ca Mau Forest Protection Department, by noon on April 14, the whole province had more than 12,000 hectares of forest at extremely dangerous fire level (level V) and more than 21,000 hectares at dangerous level (level IV). This is a very high warning level, just a small fire source can cause a large fire and spread quickly on a large scale.
U Minh Ha Forestry Co., Ltd. said that there are currently about 10,000 hectares of forest at extremely dangerous fire levels. The entire forest area is dry, the undergrowth is thick and flammable. The unit has arranged forces to be on duty 24/24 hours, stick to fire watchtowers, and continuously patrol key areas to detect early and handle from the beginning.
Meanwhile, more than 1,500ha of acacia hybrid forest of Hung Dung Wood Company is also at a dangerous fire level. Although the fire risk is lower than cajeput forest, the unit still maintains a state of readiness, fully preparing pumps, fire fighting equipment and logistics to serve rescue when situations arise.
Increase duty, supplement solutions to preserve forests in the dry season
Faced with this situation, the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment requests forest owners to absolutely not be subjective, concentrate vehicles in high-risk areas, strictly maintain information duty and strengthen coordination between adjacent units.
Canal routes serving patrols, transportation and firefighting are required to be cleared to ensure fast movement when incidents occur. At the same time, units must promote propaganda for people living along the forest, reminding them not to use fire carelessly, not to burn fields, burn garbage or enter the forest in dangerous times.
Right from the beginning of 2026, forest management units in Ca Mau province have developed forest fire prevention and fighting plans; strengthened professional training, safety inspection and equipment maintenance. Currently, the entire forest area has 74 fire guard huts, including 65 solid huts and 9 temporary huts, maintaining 24/24 hour duty throughout the dry season.
The forest fire prevention and fighting force is also strengthened with 75 groups and teams including 516 people, ready to be on duty according to the "4 on-site" motto.
In the context of continuing intense hot weather, keeping Ca Mau forest at this time is not only the task of functional forces but also requires the joint efforts and vigilance of each citizen.
