Hà Tĩnh Province's firefighters work to put out a fire at Nầm Mountain. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ TĨNH — Fire-fighting forces were able to control a forest fire by 2.30am on Tuesday in the Nầm mountain area jn Hương Sơn District in central Hà Tĩnh Province, said Phan Tiến Hùng, chief of the Office of the district's People's Committee.

However, local forces are concerned that the fire could flare up again.

The fire broke out in the Nầm mountain area at around 11.15am on Monday and quickly spread.

The site of the fire was in an area between Sơn Châu and Sơn Thủy communes.

The fire damaged pine and melaleuca trees that have been assigned to local people for planting.

Hương Sơn District People's Committee mobilised more than 500 rescuers, including rangers, police, militia and people from two communes, to extinguish the fire.

Many fire engines were also sent to residential areas near the edge of the forest fire area.

However, strong winds and hot and dry weather caused the fire to break out and spread quickly, causing difficulty for fire-fighters.

Since the area of burnt forest is near the 35KV power line, the provincial Electricity Company temporarily cut off power to ensure safety.

Some households located near the forest's edge moved their property out.

By about 3.30pm on Monday, the fire was mostly extinguished, but at 9pm on Monday, the fire suddenly flared up again in the Nầm Mountain forest. The fire was more intense at night. — VNS