By noon on 22/6, a fire on a hill in Khanh Son hamlet 3, Thien Nhan commune (formerly part of Nam Dan district) remained uncontrolled after nearly a day of burning. Due to continuous efforts, some exhausted personnel were given a rest, while additional forces were deployed to the scene.

Multiple forces worked through the night to create firebreaks, preventing the spread to adjacent areas. Photo: Hung Le

Yesterday afternoon, the fire erupted in the undergrowth of the hilly area. Amid temperatures exceeding 38 degrees Celsius and strong southwestern winds, the blaze rapidly expanded, posing significant challenges to firefighting efforts.

Authorities and local residents launched multiple efforts to extinguish the flames, clear undergrowth, establish firebreaks, and contain the area to prevent further spread.

However, the complex hilly terrain, primarily covered by highly flammable cogon grass, reeds, and dry brush, made firefighting difficult. Many areas that had just been brought under control saw flames reignite. By evening, the fire continued to spread rapidly across the hillsides in Thien Nhan commune.

The forest fire in Thien Nhan commune, late on 22/6. Photo: Hung Le

Over 1,000 personnel, including forest rangers, police, soldiers, and local militia, remained at the scene throughout the night. Numerous specialized vehicles were also mobilized to assist in firefighting.

"During the night, forces focused on creating firebreaks to prevent the blaze from spreading to the adjacent forest area in Van An commune," a leader from Thien Nhan commune stated.

Authorities also advised households at the base of the mountains to proactively relocate their assets and be prepared to evacuate if necessary for safety.

Soldiers and local militia working to control the blaze, morning of 22/6. Photo: Hung Le

Authorities believe the fire may have originated from residents clearing undergrowth for acacia planting, which then spread to the adjacent forest. The fire-affected area was previously a pine forest that had burned before, and now consists mainly of regenerated vegetation with thick undergrowth.

Over the past five days, Nghe An has experienced widespread heat, with temperatures commonly ranging from 37-38 degrees Celsius. On 22/6, the entire province had 117 areas with forest fire warnings ranging from level 3 to 5, due to prolonged dry weather and many days without rain.

Duc Hung