The Prime Minister strengthened measures to prevent forest fires

Currently, the heat wave situation is becoming complicated and unusual in the Southern provinces, the Central Highlands, and some Northern provinces, many forests are at forest fire warning levels IV and V (dangerous level and extremely dangerous level). Recently, there have been continuous forest fires in the provinces of Lao Cai, Son La, Yen Bai, Khanh Hoa, Dak Nong, Lam Dong, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Kien Giang,...

According to forecasts of the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, due to the impact of climate change and the influence of the El Nino phenomenon, in 2024, severe heat will occur in many localities, with temperatures higher than in 2023. Hot weather accompanied by a lack of rainfall makes the risk of forest fires in many places very high, causing damage to forests and the environment, and affecting people's health, property, lives and livelihoods. To proactively prevent and fight forest fires and minimize damage caused by forest fires, the Prime Minister requests:

Chairman of People's Committees of provinces and cities that are responsible for forest fire prevention and fighting in the area to urgently request People's Committees at all levels and functional agencies to manage forest fire prevention and fighting, strengthen inspection and supervision on forest fire prevention and fighting. Provide a specific plan, arrange permanent forces at checkpoints and stations to strictly control people entering and leaving forest areas with high fire risk; review and make a list of forests at high risk of fire, especially focusing on forests in the North affected by the recent severe and harmful cold, creating a large layer of burning material in the forest.

Organize on-duty duty and assign 24/24-hour response forces in areas with the ability to warn of forest fire risk from level III or higher; strengthen patrolling and early detection of forest fires and ensure on-duty forces, ready to mobilize on-site forces to handle forest fires immediately. Arrange facilities, materials, and funding to well implement the "four on the spot" motto. Proactively arrange local reserve funds and other legal capital sources to ensure good implementation of forest fire prevention and fighting. Have a ready and proactive plan to move people out of dangerous areas when necessary, ensuring the safety of life and property of the people and the state.

Organize and effectively implement the Project to improve the capacity of forest rangers in forest management and protection and forest fire prevention and fighting in the period of 2021 - 2030, approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 177/QD-TTg dated February 10, 2022. Promptly report difficulties and problems to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for synthesis, consideration and resolution according to authority and provisions of law.

Strengthen propaganda and education to raise awareness and responsibility in forest fire prevention and fighting; inspect, urge and guide on controlling the use of fire in and near forests people, especially for slash-and-burn activities. Immediately stop using fire to treat vegetation and other fire practices that have the risk of causing forest fires during peak periods of high forest fire risk.

Monitor information on forecasts, warnings of heat stress, forest fire risk and early detection of forest fires (Website of the Forest Protection Department: kiemlam.org.vn, Website of the National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting: nchmf.gov.vn); Information and immediate reporting of forest fires to the Forest Protection Department at phone number: 098 666 8 333; E-mail: fpd@kiemlam.org.vn, ensure the provision of complete, accurate and timely information to coordinate, direct and mobilize forces to fight forest fires in case of necessity.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is responsible for directing and organizing forest fire prevention and fighting nationwide. Organize close monitoring of weather developments, especially key areas at high risk of forest fires, provide information to localities to proactively implement forest fire prevention and fighting plans; maintain, forecast, and warn of forest fire risks for timely information on the media.

Strengthen direction and inspection of forest fire prevention and fighting in localities, especially in key areas of forest fires; ready to support localities with firefighting forces, equipment, fire location information, and command when a large forest fire occurs. Promote the application of high technology in forecasting, warning of forest fire risks and early detection of forest fires. Maintain a permanent regime of forest fire prevention and fighting according to regulations.

Develop a national forest fire prevention and fighting plan, ready to support localities with firefighting forces, equipment, fire point information and command work when a forest fire occurs. Synthesize the need for urgent financial support for forest fire prevention, fighting and forest protection from development investment sources of ministries, branches and localities. Send the plan to the Ministry of Planning and Investment to synthesize and submit to competent authorities for decision, and contribute to improving the quality and efficiency of forest fire prevention and fighting.