Forces of Dong Xuan district, Phu Yen province participate in forest fire prevention and control drills.

Present at the scene to direct the exercise, Colonel Luong Ke Diem, Commander of the Phu Yen Provincial Military Command, said: "This is a two-level exercise (Dong Xuan district and Xuan Quang 1 commune) with the participation of all levels, sectors and the armed forces, mobilizing nearly 500 participants along with many fire-fighting vehicles and equipment...".

According to the hypothetical situation, in the past few days, the area has been experiencing severe heat. At this time, people cleared and burned the ground cover, causing the fire to spread to the acacia forest in Sub-region 111, Suoi Coi 2 village, Xuan Quang 1 commune. When the incident occurred, local forces mobilized maximum forces and means to organize fire fighting, but the fire broke out right during a prolonged heat wave, combined with strong southwest winds, the fire grew larger and continued to spread into residential areas, burning many houses, exceeding the capacity of the commune. Considering the complexity of the fire, the Dong Xuan District Civil Defense Command (PTDS), Disaster Prevention (PCTT) and Search and Rescue (TKCN) mobilized local forces, forces in the area with the participation of hundreds of officers, soldiers, police, militia and many fire fighting vehicles.

Forces involved in fire fighting.

As soon as they arrived at the scene, the District Military Command assigned additional tasks to the forces to deploy a firefighting plan. Identifying that PCTT and TKCN are combat missions in peacetime, with the determination to defeat the fire at all costs, protect the forest and the lives and property of the people, despite the harsh weather conditions and the sweltering heat from the fire, burning the skin, and the dense smoke and dust, the forces were not deterred, using fire extinguishers, sickles, sledgehammers, hoes, shovels, etc. to rush in to control the "fire". With coordinated actions, one person pulled out, another immediately took their place, determined not to give the fire a chance to counterattack. With the close leadership and direction of the local Party Committee and government, and the harmonious coordination of the forces, after more than 2 hours, the fire was completely extinguished, ensuring absolute safety in all aspects.

The forces used water cannons to put out the fire.

With a core role in advising local Party committees and authorities and coordinating between forces to ensure the success of the exercise, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Viet Dung, Commander of the Dong Xuan District Military Command, shared: “In reality, forest fires often occur in mountainous areas with complex terrain, making it difficult for rescue forces and vehicles to access the scene. Therefore, through the exercise, it will help the District PCTT and TKCN Command continue to develop practical and effective forest fire prevention and fighting plans. In particular, clearly defining the tasks of the core force and coordinating units; organizing responses close to the actual situation, overcoming the consequences of damage in conditions of lacking human resources and equipped vehicles...”.

Dong Xuan district, Phu Yen province has more than 74,000 hectares of forest and forestry land (accounting for 72.20% of the total natural area). Of which, the area of ​​land and forest planned for protection is 32,653.04 hectares and the area of ​​land and forest planned for production is 41,785.61 hectares. The total forest coverage of Dong Xuan district in 2022 will reach 62.48%. With a large area of ​​forest and forestry land, in order to be proactive, ready with forces, means, people and effective forest fire prevention and control plans, minimizing damage to people and property of the State and people, one of the most practical solutions implemented by Dong Xuan district is to organize a live-fire exercise on this task.

Rewarding forces participating in forest fire prevention and fighting drills.

Directly monitoring and directing the drill, comrade Le Tan Ho, member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Head of the Phu Yen Provincial Drill Steering Committee said: " Learning from the drill, the Provincial Drill Steering Committee will continue to direct all levels and sectors from district to grassroots to proactively deploy plans with the motto of fire prevention as the main, timely and effective fire fighting while promoting the spirit of "4 on-site"; promoting extensive propaganda work among the people; consolidating and perfecting the forest protection force... Authorities at all levels and forest owners need to strengthen management work, have specific fire prevention and fighting plans; increase patrols in key areas, regularly inform and report on the situation, closely coordinate between units in forest fire prevention, control and fighting, especially during the dry season this year and the following years, not to be passive and surprised in any situation.

Article and photos: TAN NGHI