Nearly 900 Personnel Battle Intense Forest Fire in Hoang Lien National Park, Lao Cai

A major firefighting operation is currently underway in the Hoang Lien National Park, located in the Sa Pa district of Lao Cai province. Since the afternoon of February 19, a massive forest fire broke out at an altitude of approximately 1,900 meters in the Seo My Ty village area. The fire, which originated in a plantation and grassland area of Sub-zone 286, quickly spread due to strong, erratic winds and a thick layer of dry vegetation. In response, local authorities have mobilized a massive force of nearly 900 individuals, including soldiers from the provincial military command, police officers, forest rangers, and local volunteers. The terrain's high altitude and the presence of heavy smoke have made the dập lửa (firefighting) efforts exceptionally challenging and dangerous.

Colonel Nguyen Van Do, Deputy Commander of the Lao Cai Provincial Military Command, is overseeing the operations on the ground. As of February 20, the fire had affected more than 10 hectares of land. The primary objective of the mission is to create firebreaks and prevent the flames from reaching the ancient, primary forests that are crucial to the region's ecosystem. Trinh Xuan Truong, Chairman of the Lao Cai Provincial People's Committee, has also been present at the scene to direct the coordination between various departments. Additionally, the 316th Division of Military Region 2 has placed over 200 soldiers on standby to provide further support if needed. The bravery of these personnel, who are working through the night in harsh conditions, highlights the critical importance of forest protection and the high risks associated with the dry season in Vietnam's northern highlands.

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