Kien Hai strengthens forest protection efforts.

Faced with the increased risk of forest fires during the dry season, the Kien Hai Special Economic Zone is implementing various preventive measures and enhancing its capacity to respond when forest fires occur.

The Forest Protection Unit of Region III organized a training course on forest fire prevention and control for forces involved in forest protection in the Kien Hai special zone. Photo: THUY TRANG

According to the An Giang Forest Management Board, Region I, the Kien Hai Special Zone currently has over 1,275 hectares of forest and forestry land, with an evergreen forest ecosystem and humid tropical rainforest characteristic of hilly and island areas. The terrain is fragmented, with many hills and mountains, the highest peak reaching nearly 400m; the vegetation mainly consists of open land interspersed with scattered woody trees such as mango, coconut, and jackfruit. During the dry season, water resources are scarce, and the undergrowth beneath the forest canopy is thick, accumulated over many years, making it very susceptible to wildfires during prolonged periods of hot weather.

Besides natural factors, the risk of forest fires also comes from human activities such as slash-and-burn agriculture, honey harvesting, and careless use of fire in daily life and production. A segment of the population lives interspersed within forests, depending on forest resources, making forest management, protection, and fire prevention and control (FPPC) more challenging.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Tri, Director of the An Giang Forest Management Board, Region I, stated that in recent years, the weather has been complex, with the rainy season ending early, prolonged heatwaves, many streams drying up, and groundwater levels decreasing sharply, increasing the risk of widespread forest fires. Meanwhile, the Kien Hai area comprises more than 20 islands of varying sizes, making patrolling difficult, as well as hindering access and deployment of forces and equipment in the event of a fire. “We have determined that we must proactively prevent fires early and from afar. Right from the beginning of the dry season, the An Giang Forest Management Board, Region I, has developed and implemented a forest fire prevention and control plan tailored to the specific characteristics of the area,” Mr. Tri emphasized.

Kien Hai is currently at forest fire risk level III (high level), indicating a high risk of fire. The An Giang Forest Management Board, Region I, has identified key fire-prone areas in the An Son and Lai Son sub-districts. Based on this, the unit has deployed personnel on duty 24/7 in vulnerable areas, increasing patrols and surveillance to detect and promptly handle any fire incidents. Simultaneously, they are coordinating with the Forest Ranger Station Region III and local authorities to strictly control access to and from the forest, and prohibit all use of fire within and near the forest.

Simultaneously, propaganda efforts were intensified through various forms such as distributing leaflets, hanging banners and fire prohibition signs, broadcasting messages via public address systems, newspapers, radio, and mobile loudspeakers in key areas. The unit organized 250 households to sign commitments to protect forests and prevent and control forest fires, thereby raising awareness and a sense of responsibility within the community.

Regarding the fire prevention and control (PCCR) force, in addition to the local force, the An Giang Forest Management Board, Region I, has reorganized the PCCR teams, adding 119 people in the Lai Son, An Son, Hon Tre, and Nam Du sub-areas, ready to provide support when situations arise. Equipment for PCCR work is relatively complete, including: pumps, compressors, fire hoses, GPS devices, blowers, and means of transportation between islands. All equipment is regularly inspected and maintained, ensuring readiness for operation when required.

Directly involved in forest protection, Mr. Doan Van Thang - a forest ranger in An Son sub-area - shared: "During the peak of the dry season, we are on duty 24/7, increasing patrols day and night, especially in areas with a high risk of fire. When a fire is detected, we immediately report it so that forces can be mobilized to handle it promptly."

Mr. Tran Phi Son, Head of the Forest Protection Department Area III, added that during the dry season, forest fire prevention and control is given top priority. The Forest Protection Department strengthens inspections and urges forest owners to strictly implement the approved plans. They coordinate with local authorities and forest management units to patrol, monitor, and strictly handle violations of forest protection and fire prevention and control regulations; and organize professional training for forest protection personnel.

Thanks to the proactive and decisive efforts of relevant agencies, along with the increasingly heightened awareness of the people, forest fire prevention and control work in the Kien Hai special economic zone is being implemented effectively, contributing to the protection of forest areas in the area against the harsh weather conditions of the dry season.

THUY TRANG

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/kien-hai-tang-luc-giu-rung-a483356.html