Nghe An: Setting up checkpoints at forest entrances to prevent fires.

According to observations by reporters in the forests there arefire riskHigh-altitude areas in Dien Chau district, such as Dien Phu and Dien Doai, now have checkpoints set up to control people entering and leaving the forest. These points are staffed 24/7.

A checkpoint controlling entry and exit to the forest in Dien Phu commune, Dien Chau district. Photo: Quang An

Mr. Nguyen Canh Chan, a pine resin harvester residing in Dien Phu commune, said: "Since the beginning of the hot season, every time we go into the forest, we have to pass through a checkpoint, declare our information, and record our personal details. Although it's a bit inconvenient, this is actually necessary."forest fire prevention and controlTherefore, we all complied strictly.

The forest patrol logbook used by the checkpoint personnel requires residents to clearly record their full name, address, phone number, purpose of entry and exit from the forest, and any equipment they bring with them. This helps to thoroughly control who enters and exits the forest and serves as documentation for authorities to monitor and investigate in the event of forest-related incidents.

Everyone entering and leaving the forest must report their information fully. Photo: Tien Dong

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thuan – a member of the Dien Phu commune militia – in charge of the guard post at the end of Xuan Duong lake, said: According to the plan, the guard post was established between May 17th and September 17th, 2021 (peak of the hot season). Each day, there were more than 20 people entering and leaving the forest, mainly to tend to their farms and harvest pine resin. In addition to controlling and monitoring information on people entering and leaving the forest, the guard posts also disseminated information and reminded people not to bring fire into the forest, while raising awareness of forest fire prevention and control.

At the end of the day, local authorities will compile and update a list of people entering and leaving the forest to monitor and understand the situation. Photo: Quang An

In Do Luong, checkpoints and watchtowers are also built on high mountain peaks to oversee the forest area within the management scope of local authorities and units. In particular, the watchtower in Hoa Son commune is staffed day and night, and this location can cover up to two-thirds of the entire district's forest area.Do Luong.

Mr. Nam, a worker in charge of the watchtower in Hoa Son commune, said: "There are 3-4 workers taking turns on duty at the watchtower every day. Just a wisp of smoke can be easily detected and reported immediately. This is the peak of the hot weather, and the watchtower crew is working very hard, but everyone is trying their best to complete their task."forest protection...".

Watchtower on the mountaintop in Hoa Son commune, Do Luong district. Photo: Quang An

Currently, the forest fire warning is at an extremely dangerous level in many localities throughout the province. Photo: Tien Dong

Since the beginning of April 2021, the unit has advised and directed the maintenance of a standing force, providing 24/7 forest fire warning information from the provincial level to the grassroots level, forest protection stations, and fire watchtowers to handle forest fire situations in the province.

In key forest areas with a high risk of forest fires, the unit has also proposed to local authorities to deploy patrol forces to closely monitor people entering and leaving the forest and the use of fire in and around the forest to effectively control sources of fire and heat that could cause forest fires.

Mr. Bach Quoc Dung - Head of the Forest Protection Department