HCMC – Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued an urgent directive requiring provinces and cities to intensify forest fire prevention efforts as extreme heat and prolonged dry conditions sharply increase wildfire risks.
Authorities attributed the heightened danger to the combined effects of climate change, El Niño and widespread severe heatwaves, warning local governments to prevent major forest incidents that could damage forestry resources.
According to urgent dispatch No. 5244/BNNMT-LNKL issued by the ministry on May 26, the current heatwave has been most intense in localities stretching from Thanh Hoa to Danang and along the south-central coast, where temperatures have generally ranged from 37 to 39 degrees Celsius.
Recorded temperatures approached or exceeded 39 degrees Celsius in several locations, including Tinh Gia in Thanh Hoa at 39.8 degrees Celsius; Vinh and Con Cuong in Nghe An at 39.3 degrees Celsius; Huong Khe in Ha Tinh at 39.5 degrees Celsius; and Dong Hoi and Ba Don in Quang Tri at 39.2 degrees Celsius.
At the same time, the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting warned that temperatures across northern and central Vietnam could reach 37-40 degrees Celsius, with some areas, including Hanoi, expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius, pushing disaster and forest fire risks to elevated levels.
The emergency order comes as unusually dry weather conditions threaten key forest areas nationwide. Meanwhile, meteorological authorities also warned of additional natural disaster risks after heavy rainfall left soil moisture in parts of Lam Dong above 85% saturation, raising the likelihood of flash floods and landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas and posing risks to infrastructure and economic assets.
The ministry asked local authorities to review and strengthen forest fire prevention and response plans, ensure personnel and supplies are prepared under the “four-on-the-spot” response principle, and maintain readiness for emergency situations.
Police, military and forest ranger forces were instructed to strengthen coordination and tighten controls on the use of fire near forest areas, especially slash-and-burn farming and vegetation clearing activities. In the event of a forest fire, local authorities were told to mobilize all available resources to contain damage and promptly investigate causes and hold responsible parties accountable under the law.
