Forest fires occur continuously
From the beginning of the year to April 4, through monitoring on the forest fire warning system from satellite images of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection of Dien Bien province, more than 2,500 suspected fire points were recorded. Through verification, 13 forest fires occurred with a damage area of about 4ha. In which, mainly vegetation fires under the forest canopy caused by people burning and clearing vegetation, making fields in dry weather. Functional forces have detected and handled 68 violations of the Forest Law (65 cases administratively handled, 3 cases criminally handled).
Recently, a production forest fire with an area of about 3.5ha occurred in the forest area of residential group 1, Na Sang commune. During the fire fighting, 4 people were burned while fighting the forest fire, including 3 people with severe burns.
Mr. Tran Hong Quan - Chairman of Na Sang Commune People's Committee - said that by April 7, 2 of these 3 victims had died. "Na Sang Commune People's Committee is coordinating with Na Sang Forest Protection Department, Provincial Economic Police Department, Commune Police, and relevant agencies to verify the time of the fire, the cause of the fire, and related individuals for handling according to the provisions of law" - Mr. Quan added.
During the peak of hot weather, small forest fires also continuously occurred in many other localities in Dien Bien province. On April 5, a forest fire occurred in 4 villages (Nong, Sang, Co Muong and Chan 1) of Na Tau commune. In Muong Phang commune, the risk of forest fires is warned at level IV, V (extremely dangerous level). The Commune Civil Defense Command has issued a notice, requesting to maximize forest fire prevention and fighting measures.
Ensuring safety when fighting forest fires
When forest fires occurred continuously in the area, Dien Bien Provincial People's Committee requested all levels, sectors and localities to promote propaganda and mobilize people to stop burning fields in dry weather conditions. The Provincial People's Committee also issued an urgent document requesting people to temporarily stop vegetation treatment activities by fire from now until the end of May 5, 2026.
After the above suspension period, flexibly implement appropriate measures to minimize the clearing of vegetation by burning fire, which poses a risk of forest fires and affects the environment, especially during the peak forest fire season.
The Provincial People's Committee requests the Police and Forest Rangers to urgently investigate and clarify the forest fires that have occurred, strictly handle them according to regulations, and hold responsible relevant organizations and individuals. The Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control and Search and Rescue of communes and wards proactively implements the "4 on-the-spot" motto, ready to respond when situations occur. At the same time, forces participating in firefighting must be fully equipped with protective equipment; maintain a 24/24 hour duty regime.
When forest fires occur in the area, mobilize forces to participate in controlling and extinguishing forest fires in the shortest time. In which, pay special attention to evacuation to ensure the safety of people's lives and ensure the safety of forces and people participating in forest fire fighting.
