HCMC - Around 25 hectares of replanted forest and grassy slopes in the Hoang Lien National Park in the northern province of Lao Cai are currently engulfed in flames, prompting authorities to mobilize 600 personnel to contain the fire.

According to the national park’s authority, a wildfire broke out at around 1:40 p.m. yesterday, February 19, in subzone 286, Ta Van Commune, Sapa Town. Upon detection of the blaze, local militia and forest protection teams were immediately mobilized to approach and extinguish the fire. However, the wildfire occurred at an altitude of 1,900 meters above sea level in the highland terrain, compounded by strong winds, making it difficult to control. This morning, the fire has expanded to an area of around 25 hectares. Nearly 600 personnel have been deployed to combat the blaze, reported the Tuoi Tre news site. In related news, another wildfire broke out at around 10 a.m. yesterday in Muong Hoa Commune, Sapa Town, prompting over 50 individuals to work on extinguishing the fire. By 1:00 a.m. today, the fire was brought under control.