Hue City forest fires triggered by ritual burning during Vu Lan festival

Multiple forest fires have broken out in Hue City, Vietnam, during the Vu Lan festival. Authorities report that over 20 fires occurred near forested areas on August 26, with at least 13 of these incidents caused by residents burning incense and joss paper (vàng mã) while visiting ancestral graves.

In An Cuu Ward, 11 fires were recorded in areas where cemeteries are interspersed with forest land. One significant fire in a protected pine forest managed by Tien Phong Forestry Company required the mobilization of approximately 150 personnel, including forest rangers, police, and military forces, to extinguish the blaze.

Due to the high risk of fire spreading through dry vegetation and strong southwest winds, Hue City has raised its forest fire warning level to level 5, the highest possible. Forest protection officials are urging citizens to be cautious, suggesting they burn joss paper at home or ensure all embers are completely extinguished with water before leaving cemetery sites to prevent further environmental damage.