Protect the forest from early on and from afar.

With the motto "Protect the forest early and from afar," the Forest Protection Department of Region X has proactively implemented forest fire prevention and control measures, determined to minimize damage caused by forest fires.

Following the implementation of the new model, the Forest Protection Department of Region X was assigned the task of managing and protecting 29,827 hectares of forest in three communes: Van Ho, To Mua, and Song Khua. This includes 15,207 hectares of production forest and nearly 14,000 hectares of protection forest, with a forest cover rate exceeding 57%. The forest ecosystem is rich with many rare and endangered animal and plant species, especially the population of white-cheeked gibbons listed in the Vietnamese Red Book, along with many valuable higher plant species. This is a valuable resource, playing a crucial role in climate regulation, environmental protection, and the economic and tourism development of the localities.

Officers from the Forest Protection Department of Region X and the Forest Protection and Fire Prevention and Control Team of Pa Cop village inspect the protected forest area.

Mr. Le Van Dung, Head of the Forest Protection Unit in Area X, said: From March until now, the area has experienced hot weather combined with strong southwest winds, increasing the risk of forest fires. The unit has assigned local forest rangers and forest protection teams to be on duty 24/7 for fire prevention; using digital maps and satellite imagery of fire locations to monitor and update information on forest fire situations, promptly detecting and handling fires when they occur; strictly adhering to the reporting regime to the Forest Protection Sub-Department as prescribed; preparing all necessary equipment and means for forest fire prevention and control; and effectively managing and utilizing forest fire fighting equipment and tools, as well as other conditions serving forest fire prevention and control work, following the "four on-the-spot" principle.

Since the beginning of the year, the Forest Protection Department of Region X has coordinated with the People's Committees of the communes to organize 40 awareness campaigns for nearly 4,000 people, raising public awareness and responsibility in forest fire prevention and control. At the same time, it has directed forest rangers to strengthen their presence in the area, proactively monitor weather developments and the actual situation, and organize regular patrols and inspections. In the first quarter of 2026, the Department promptly detected and handled 6 violations in the forestry sector, imposing administrative fines on 6 individuals totaling over 26 million VND. The violations mainly involved deforestation, illegal logging, and transportation of forest products.

Forestry officials put up signs that read "Deforestation prohibited".

Mr. Nguyen Van Bac, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Van Ho commune, said: "Currently, the commune has over 12,500 hectares of forest. Recognizing the complex weather patterns during the 2026 dry season, the People's Committee of the commune has issued documents to strengthen forest management, protection, and fire prevention and control in the area. At the same time, we have consolidated and maintained the operation of 34 grassroots forest protection and fire prevention and control teams; developed fire prevention and control plans based on the 'four on-the-spot' principle, suitable to the local situation, and ready to respond when situations arise."

The Forest Protection Team and the Forest Fire Prevention and Control Committee of Pa Cop village are clearing firebreaks.

The Pa Cop village in Van Ho commune currently has 460 hectares of forest. These days, the village management board is mobilizing residents to strictly adhere to the village's regulations and rules on forest management, protection, and fire prevention; directing the 20-member Forest Protection and Fire Prevention Team to closely coordinate with local forest rangers to intensify patrols, inspections, and guidance for clearing undergrowth to create firebreaks, limiting slash-and-burn farming during peak hot weather days, strictly prohibiting burning after 8 AM and 5 PM; and mobilizing forces to be ready to handle any forest fires that may occur.

Mr. Vang A De, Party Secretary and Head of Pa Cop village, said: "Entering the dry season, the village regularly holds meetings to disseminate information and remind people to burn fields according to regulations, to notify the Forest Protection Team and the Fire Prevention and Control Committee, and to assign someone to supervise during the burning process. Thanks to this, the village's forest area has remained safe since the beginning of the year."

Forestry officers in Area X are checking the fire location using satellite imagery.

With the proactive efforts of the Forest Protection Department of Region X, the local authorities, and the people, it is believed that the management, protection, and fire prevention and control work in Van Ho, To Mua, and Song Khua communes will be maintained, contributing to the preservation of greener forests.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/xa-hoi/giu-rung-tu-som-tu-xa-Cvg93R2vg.html