The forest fire in Tràng An Complex in Ninh Bình Province. VNA/VNS Photo

NINH BÌNH – A forest fire broke out on Phủ Khống Mountain in Trường Yên Commune, Hoa Lư City, Ninh Bình Province on Thursday.

The area is part of the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex.

At approximately 4pm on Thursday, local residents noticed thick smoke rising from Phủ Khống Mountain, accompanied by crackling sounds.

The residents promptly reported the fire to local authorities and relevant forces to extinguish the flames.

Authorities arrived at the scene and coordinated with local forces to implement firefighting measures immediately upon receiving the information.

The Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police Division of Ninh Bình Province mobilised officers, soldiers and equipment to access the scene and execute firefighting plans.

Due to dry weather and the high altitude of the fire, firefighting forces faced significant challenges in reaching the area to extinguish the blaze.

By 9pm the same day, the fire had yet to be contained.

Colonel Đặng Văn Linh, Head of the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police Division said that the unit had deployed multiple fire engines and nearly 100 officers and soldiers to the scene in an effort to extinguish the fire quickly.

However, as the fire site was far from main roads and fire engines could not access the area, the unit operated eight high-capacity portable water pumps, he said.

Officers and soldiers coordinated with other forces to extend hoses to the closest possible point near the fire for firefighting operations.

According to on-site observations by a Vietnam News Agency reporter, the fire started on a very high and isolated mountain, far from main roads. The only accessible route to the mountain's base was by boat.

The Management Board of the Tràng An Ecotourism Area also mobilised a significant number of personnel and boats to support firefighting efforts.

By the evening, forces continued to isolate the fire and create firebreaks to prevent the flames from spreading further. VNS