Forest fires in central region destroy 100ha
Forest fires in central region destroy 100ha
18 July 2011
published by http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn
Viet Nam — A fire destroyed at least 100 hectares of keo (acacia auriculiformis) forests in the central Phu Yen Province Saturday, making it the most severe fire in recent years, local authorities said.
The fire was reported to break out at Suoi Lanh Forest in Cam Thach Village in Phu Hoa District at 5pm last Saturday, and rapidly spread to surrounding areas.
Chairman of Phu Hoa District People’s Committee Ha Trung Khang said to Vietnam News Agency that after the fire’s start, the committee mobilised 400 civil servants, rangers, police and the military force in the district and from neighbouring districts of Son Hoa, Dong Hoa and Tay Hoa to stamp out the fire.
The fire, put under control by 2pm yesterday, flared up again few hours later due to dry weather and strong winds.
Luong Dinh Thien, a resident in Cam Thach Village who joined to extinguish the fire, said fighting the fire manually, especially under strong winds, was extremely difficult.
Khang said the committee continued to mobilise more soldiers and police to contain the blaze.
The committee would separate the zone to keep the fire from spreading, he said.
Phu Yen Province People’s Committee permanent Vice Chairman Le Van Truc is currently at the location to direct the fire fighting.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
