VietNamNet Bridge – At least 3,000 hectares (ha) of the Cajuput forest in U Minh Ha National Park in Ca Mau Province is quite dry, with 1,200ha facing high risk of catching fire.

U Minh Ha Forest rangers are checking the humidity of forest and determining the level of risks of forest firer.

According to Nguyen Van Hai, head of the Forestry Division at the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the forestry sector in the province has been placed on high alert.

He said hot and dry weather and strong winds had caused the water level to drop in canals.

Local authorities have mobilised more than 500 people and asked them to stay alert at all times in various spots so that they can detect any early fires. Numerous fire drills have also been conducted.

The authorities have vowed not to let any major fires break out this year.

The U Minh Ha National Forest in Ca Mau Province is spread over an area of 75,000ha, with 38,000ha of forest cover.

The U Minh Ha Cajuput forest was temporarily closed from February 4 and will remain shut till the end of April, due to the dry season posing high risks of forest fires in the area.

Source: VNS