Prolonged dry weather and a lack of rainfall have placed 146 forested areas across the country at high risk of wildfires, prompting urgent warnings from the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection.
The department, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, has classified 27 forested areas in the southern region at Level 5, indicating an extremely dangerous wildfire risk. Another 119 areas in northern and southern provinces have been placed at Level 4, signifying a dangerous threat.
The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting reported that the ongoing heatwave will persist until March 28, affecting provinces from Nghệ An to Thừa Thiên-Huế and the southeastern region. Temperatures are expected to exceed 35°C, with some areas between Thanh Hóa and Thừa Thiên-Huế potentially reaching above 37°C.
The extreme heat and low humidity have significantly increased the risk of wildfires, explosions, and residential fires, especially as electricity demand surges.
In response, the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection has identified Bình Phước, Tây Ninh, Đồng Nai, Kiên Giang, Sóc Trăng, and Cà Mau among the southern provinces at Level 5 risk. Meanwhile, 119 areas, including Hà Giang, Cao Bằng, Lào Cai, Bắc Kạn, Lạng Sơn, Sơn La, Tây Ninh, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, Long An, An Giang, and Cà Mau, face Level 4 wildfire threats.
Authorities urge residents to take precautionary measures as the wildfire risk remains critical.