Thousands more people mobilized to put out the fire, but the forest fire in Dien Chau is still at risk of spreading.
(Baonghean.vn) - At around 11am on July 2, a fire suddenly broke out in a pine forest in Hamlet 15, Dien Yen Commune, Dien Chau District (Nghe An); as of 4pm this afternoon, July 2, the forest fire was still not under control.
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| Forest fire occurred in Dien Yen - Dien Chau. Photo: Tran Loc |
Authorities mobilized a mixed force of forest rangers, army, militia and local people to approach the fire. However, the hot weather of about 40 degrees Celsius, combined with strong southerly winds, made it difficult to put out the fire.
Authorities focused on clearing firebreaks to prevent the fire from spreading.
The fire scene was located about a kilometer from Highway 48. Strong winds blew, causing billowing smoke to cover a section of the highway, and a strong burning smell was emitted. Many vehicles passing through the area had to slow down.
About 500 people joined the firefighting effort, but due to the large flames and rudimentary firefighting equipment, the firefighting effort encountered many difficulties. At the foot of the mountain, more than 100 meters from the fire, there were some houses, but they were not in the direction of the wind, so they were not threatened," said Mr. Duong Dang Hoang (Chairman of Dien Yen Commune People's Committee).
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| At 4pm the fire was still burning fiercely. Photo: Quang An |
The pine forest where the fire occurred is a multi-year-old pine forest managed by local people.
According to the on-site reporter, as of 4:00 p.m. this afternoon, July 2, the forest fire in Hamlet 15, Dien Yen Commune, Dien Chau District (Nghe An) has not yet been controlled.
Mr. Nguyen Hai Au - Deputy Head of the Department of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation of Nghe An Forest Protection Department said: Local authorities and the Forest Protection Department have mobilized over 2,000 people including forest rangers, army, militia, police and local people to fight the fire.
However, the fire fighting continues to face difficulties. Currently, there are 3 fires, 1 of which has been controlled, while the remaining 2 fires are yet to be controlled.
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| Authorities clear white runways to control forest fires. Photo: Van Truong |
Authorities are focusing on creating a white firebreak over 2 km long and 6-10 m wide to control the fire.
Currently, the forest fire is at risk of spreading to Duc Thanh commune, Yen Thanh district, so the local government of Yen Thanh needs to mobilize forces to be on duty and respond to incidents when they occur.
Forest fire clip in Dien Chau
