Yen Bai: Urgently deploy measures to prevent and fight forest fires

In early April, Yen Bai entered the peak of the dry season with prolonged high temperatures, coinciding with the time when people in the highlands cleared fields and burned vegetation – increasing the risk of widespread forest fires.

According to forecasts, many localities are at level IV and V - very high and extremely dangerous warning levels. In this situation, the Provincial People's Committee has requested departments, branches, localities and armed forces to urgently deploy urgent measures in forest management, protection and forest fire prevention and fighting (PCCCR).

Localities must strictly implement Directive No. 14/CT-UBND dated December 1, 2022 on strengthening forest fire prevention and control; step up propaganda and strictly control the use of fire in agricultural and forestry production, especially uncontrolled slash-and-burn farming. The guiding spirit throughout is "prevention is the key", focusing on early detection and timely handling of fire risks right at the grassroots level. Chairmen of People's Committees of districts, towns and cities will be responsible if forest fires occur without effective prevention solutions. The Provincial People's Committee requires localities to review and update forest fire prevention and control plans according to the "four on-site" motto (on-site command, on-site forces, on-site means, on-site logistics); fully prepare materials, human resources, funding, be ready to evacuate people when necessary and promptly report emergency situations.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development - the standing agency of the Steering Committee for the implementation of the Provincial Sustainable Forestry Development Program - is assigned to preside over and closely coordinate with relevant units, direct the Forest Protection Department to increase combat duty, closely monitor the situation in key areas, and monitor the risk of forest fires using modern technology such as the GIS system. At the same time, strengthen coordination with press and media agencies to raise public awareness. The armed forces, including the Provincial Military Command and the Provincial Police, must regularly review and complete coordination plans, and be ready to coordinate when required. The Management Boards of protective forests, special-use forests, and forestry companies are also required to increase patrols, strengthen forest fire prevention and control plans in each area, and closely coordinate with local authorities.

Yen Bai currently has a forest coverage of 63%. Forests are not only the "green lungs" that regulate the climate but also an important source of livelihood for tens of thousands of households. Faced with the increasingly present risk of forest fires, the proactiveness of the government and the sense of responsibility of each person, especially in the forest buffer zone, will be the decisive factors in protecting forest safety and the lives and property of the community.

Thanh Phuc