Nghe An province issues a dangerous level forest fire warning.

Prolonged intense heat, dry weather, and little rain have increased the risk of forest fires in Nghe An to level IV - the most dangerous level. From now until May 31st, more than 100 communes and wards throughout the province are under a very high risk of fire warning.

Nghe An province is entering a period of intense heat with temperatures commonly ranging from 36-39 degrees Celsius, and exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many areas. The prolonged hot and dry weather over several consecutive days increases the risk of forest fires in the province, especially in pine forests, bamboo forests, and areas with dense vegetation.

Hot weather poses a high risk of forest fires in many wards and communes in the area. Photo: Quang An

In response to this situation, the Steering Committee for Forest Management, Protection, Development and Fire Prevention and Control (PCCCR) of Nghe An province issued a notice warning of a level IV (dangerous) forest fire risk in the area from May 25th to May 31st, 2026.

According to authorities, the main causes stem from low rainfall, high temperatures, and the influence of the El Nino phenomenon, making the central region continue to be the epicenter of intense heatwaves. With the risk of forest fires at level IV, prolonged dry weather can cause fires to spread rapidly in a short time, leading to the risk of large-scale fires, causing serious damage to forest resources and the environment, as well as directly threatening the property, health, and lives of the people.

In fact, Nghe An is currently one of the provinces with the largest forest area in the country, with many types of forests that are highly flammable. The lowland and midland areas alone have more than 24,700 hectares of planted pine forests and mixed eucalyptus forests – tree species containing essential oils, which are highly flammable in hot weather.

In mountainous areas, the risk of fire is also a cause for concern, as the province has over 42,500 hectares of bamboo and rattan forests, along with more than 173,500 hectares of mixed timber, bamboo, and rattan forests. These types of forests have thick undergrowth, and if a source of ignition appears, it can easily lead to large and difficult-to-control fires.

According to a preliminary review by the Provincial Steering Committee for Forest Fire Prevention and Control, more than 100 communes and wards throughout the province are currently in areas with a very high risk of forest fires. The list of areas under warning spans from the plains and coastal areas to mountainous regions.

Current wildfire risk levels. Photo: Quang An

In the plains, coastal areas, and midland regions, many localities are under Level IV fire alert, including Kim Lien, Van An, Nam Dan, Dai Hue, Hung Nguyen, Lam Thanh, An Chau, Hoang Mai, and Quynh Luu… Meanwhile, in mountainous areas, numerous communes such as Chieu Luu, Huu Kiem, Muong Tip, Son Lam, Tan Ky, Nghia Dong, Minh Hop, Quy Chau, Que Phong, Tien Phong, and Tri Le… have also been identified as having a very high risk of fire.

Faced with the imminent threat of forest fires, the Provincial Steering Committee for Forest Fire Prevention and Control requests that the People's Committees of communes and wards, the Forest Protection Department, forest management units, and relevant agencies strictly implement the regulations and directives of the Central and Provincial governments on forest fire prevention and control in 2026.

One of the key solutions proposed is to enhance early warning systems using technology. 360-degree camera systems, fire watchtowers, and forest fire warning information systems will be fully utilized to detect risks early and transmit information as quickly as possible to local authorities, forest owners, and the public.

Simultaneously, localities must intensify propaganda and raise public awareness regarding the use of fire near and within forests; strictly control slash-and-burn farming activities, and temporarily suspend all use of fire for clearing vegetation during peak periods. Violations of regulations on fire use that pose a risk of forest fires will be severely punished.

Clearing undergrowth reduces the risk of forest fires in the area. Photo: Quang An

The Provincial Steering Committee for Forest Fire Prevention and Control also requested the organization of a 24/7 standby force throughout the hot weather period; establishing checkpoints to strictly control people entering and leaving key forest areas and areas with high concentrations of people, such as: the tomb of Mrs. Hoang Thi Loan in Kim Lien commune, the mausoleum of King Mai Hac De in Van An commune, the Quyet Mountain forest park in Truong Vinh ward, or the Cuong Temple area in An Chau commune. The goal is to detect and extinguish fires early, preventing large-scale fires from occurring.

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When a forest fire occurs, the Chairman of the People's Committee of the commune or ward must be present at the scene to directly command firefighting efforts and coordinate rescue forces and equipment. For forest areas adjacent to residential areas or warehouses, the local authorities must proactively develop plans for relocating residents to ensure absolute safety of people and property. After the fire is brought under control, the authorities will promptly investigate the cause and identify the perpetrators to handle the matter according to the law.

Mr. Nguyen Danh Hung - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Nghe An Province

With the hot weather forecast to continue until the end of May, the risk of forest fires in Nghe An remains alarming. Besides the efforts of the authorities, the awareness and responsibility of the people are considered a crucial "shield" in protecting the green forests from the risk of wildfires during this hot season.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/nghe-an-canh-bao-chay-rung-cap-nguy-hiem-10338424.html