Forest fire breaks out in Hoang Lien National Park

Following news of the blaze, Lao Cai authorities moved to mobilize about 460 people in order to stamp out the fire.

However, it proved hard for firefighters to extinguish due to the tough terrain coupled with strong winds. By the evening, the fire had spread to over 10 hectares.

Local authorities are currently surveying the area to look at various options to control the fire. No further details on the affected area have so far been reported. On the same day, a fire also broke out at Van Den Su 1 village in Muong Hoa commune of Sa Pa Town in the evening.

About 50 local residents and local militia were mobilized at the scene to help suppress the blaze, with the fire finally being controlled at 1 a.m. on February 20.