Unusualand prolonged heat waves sparked forest fires in such localities as thenorthern province of Ninh Binh, and Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien-Hue and PhuYen provinces, and Da Nang city in the central region.

Ofnote, in Ha Tinh province, forest fires struck Son Ham,Son Trung and Son Le communes of Huong Son district on June 29. The first caseappeared in So Ham commune, and so far 20 places in the district haveexperienced fires.

Nguyen Quang Tho, Chairmanof the Huong Son district People’s Committee, said two forest fires happened inSon Trung and Son Le communes on June 30.

The district sent more than 500 peopleto extinguish the fire, however, strong winds hamstrung their efforts. Thefire spread to dwelling houses in Nam Son village,forcing authorities to evacuate residents to safety.

Cam My commune in Cam Xuyen district was alsohit by a forest fire on June 29 night, but the fire has now been temporarilycontrolled.

The MARD has set up sixworking groups in the central region to help the cities and provinces in forestfire prevention and control.

Localities mobilisedover 6,000 people, including forest rangers, police, soldiers and localresidents, along with facilities to battle the fires.

The MARD and otherministries and agencies will continue to propose the Government solutions tosupport the localities in both short and long terms.

The National Centre for Hydro-MeteorologicalWeather Forecast warned hot weather would continue this week, leaving high riskof forest fire in central Vietnam, with average temperatures of 34-37 degreeCelsius.

The north of the country could see heavyrain, especially in mountainous places, which may cause flash floods andlandslides.-VNA