Ministries, agencies and localities has recently been requested to step up wildfire prevention measures as heatwaves are scorching many localities nationwide
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| Fire at a forest area in Dien An commune, Dien Chau district, Nghe An province__Photo: VNA |
Under Dispatch 441/CD-TTg dated May 22, the Government leader noted that northern, central and southwestern regions are going through heatwaves that push temperatures to up to 40 degrees Celsius in certain areas.
Forest fires have been reported in some localities like Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Quang Nam, and Lam Dong, causing great losses, according to the dispatch.
To prevent wildfires and reduce their damage, the PM asked chairpersons of people’s committees of provinces and centrally-run cities to take responsibility for the work in their localities.
Inspections and supervisions over wildfire prevention and control should be enhanced and considered a key task, he said, asking local authorities to review forces and equipment, and outline wildfire prevention and control plans.
The leader stressed that relevant forces must work round the clock during the dry season and hot days.
He also emphasized the need for localities to raise the capacity of forest rangers in forest management and fire prevention and control, while intensifying communications work to improve public awareness of the issue.
They should keep a close watch on weather forecasts and wildfire warnings, and report fires to the Forest Protection Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), the PM said.
The MARD was tasked with instructing and organizing wildfire prevention and control nationwide, while the ministries of National Defense and Public Security will review wildfire prevention and control plans in the localities where their units are based, and stand ready to mobilize forces and equipment for firefighting when requested.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will work to ensure the quality of weather forecasts. The Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Finance will coordinate with the MARD in the funding for the work.
