Massive fire spreading quickly in national park home to rare bird species

Plumes of smoke from the fire in Tràm Chim National Park. — VNA/VNS Photo Nhựt An

ĐỒNG THÁP — A major fire broke out in the forest of Tràm Chim National Park in the Mekong Delta province of Đồng Tháp, known as the haven for several rare, protected bird species.

The blaze, which started around noon on Tuesday, raged under the melaleuca canopy, in dry grasslands and across orchards (mostly jackfruit) cultivated by residents near the park, with smoke billowing several metres high.

Due to the hot weather and strong winds, the fire spread quickly and the full extent of the damage is not yet clear, according to the park’s management board.

The blaze was only a few hundreds metres away from the provincial road ĐT-843 and smoke meant many drivers were unable to see and had to stop their journey due to poor visibility.

Đồng Nai Province’s authorities mobilised firefighters and military personnel, along with local fire rescue units, to try and contain the blaze.

As of 4pm, the fire is not yet under control.

Recently, the Forest Protection Sub-Department of Đồng Tháp Province has put the fire risk at the park at level V (extremely dangerous), indicating the potential for large and rapidly spreading fires. Despite proactive prevention measures, a fire still occurred.

The park is 7,313ha wide, home to 130 flora species, 130 species of fish and 231 species of birds (including 32 rare breeds) including the red-crowned cranes (sarus crane), a species listed on the IUCN Red List, which is designated as already extinct in most of its former habitats, aside from India. — VNS

The fire started at A1 zone (Phú Đức Commune, Tam Nông District). — VNA/VNS Photo Nhựt An

Smoke covers a large area of the national park. — VNA/VNS Photo Nhựt An