The fire damaged about 2,200 hectares of forest at the time, leaving large areas severely degraded, Nguyen Van Co, deputy head of the park's forest management and protection division, said.

Authorities responded by building embankments and canals to regulate water levels and maintain moisture in the peat soil, aiming to restore vegetation and reduce fire risks during dry seasons.

Co said melaleuca seeds remaining in the nutrient-rich peat soil gradually sprouted and spread across the affected area.

After 24 years, the forest has recovered to about 2,000 hectares, with trees reaching more than 10 meters tall and average trunk diameters of 15–20 centimeters, he said.

The park has also seen the return of wildlife, including birds, storks and bats, as the ecosystem recovered.

The site now features a mix of peatland forest, grasslands and wetlands that support aquatic species and freshwater fish, creating a diverse habitat.

The park receives thousands of visitors each year as it develops eco-tourism alongside conservation efforts.

U Minh Thuong National Park covers more than 21,000 hectares and is home to 32 mammal species, more than 200 insect species, 34 reptile and amphibian species, and about 170 bird species, including several rare species.