Forest fires have struck in northwest provinces such as Sơn La, Lai Châu and Điện Biên in recent days. VNA/VNS Photo Quý Trung

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has urged provinces and cities to strengthen forest fire prevention measures.

The directive was issued following prolonged dry weather that has placed many areas of the country at risk of forest fires.

Forest fires have occurred in Sơn La, Điện Biên, Lai Châu and Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu provinces in recent days.

The ministry has asked chairmen of provinces and cities to direct efforts aimed at forest protection and develop steering committees to review forest fire fighting and prevention tasks.

Provinces and cities will also be required to prepare human resources and materials and strengthen education and communication on forest protection and fire prevention.

Localities have also been requested to supervise the use of fires among local residents living inside or near forests. Forest management forces have been urged to work closely with local authorities to discover and stamp out fires in a timely fashion.

Soldiers and police were told to support forest fire fighting works in localities and clarify the causes of fires and strictly handle violators.

They are also asked to regularly monitor forest fire warning information on the early fire alarm information system of the forest protection sub-department at the website kiemlam.org.vn and immediately inform the Forest Protection Department at phone number 0986668333 or email fpd@kiemlam.org.vn to co-ordinate and mobilise forces to fight forest fires. — VNS