Many forests in central provinces are now at an extremely high risk of catching fire, with several incidences already occurring in Nghe An, Quang Binh, Quang Nam and Thua Thien Hue.
As the dry weather is expected to continue, the Prime Minister required local authorities to increase inspection and supervision of forest fire prevention measures, considering them as key tasks.
He also asked local authorities to review their forces and equipment, as well as to arrange for people to stay on duty around the clock, set up checkpoints and send out patrols to high-risk areas to promptly detect fires and prevent them from expanding.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was asked to enhance the application of high technology in predicting forest fires.
In the meantime, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security were asked to stand ready to mobilise their forces to put out forest fires when requested.
According to the national weather service, the average temperatures this year will be 1-2C higher than in previous years, with 3-4 heatwaves expected to occur in July and August where the mercury could hit 40C, and even higher in some places.
