In response, the local Party Committee and authorities have proactively issued plans and implemented synchronous fire prevention and fighting measures, specifically leveraging the role of residential communities through village conventions and regulations to achieve practical results.

Mường Tùng commune currently manages 27,474.78ha of forest, with natural forests accounting for 16,671ha and a total coverage rate of 61.47%. Because local production often takes place on fields adjacent to or interspersed with forested areas, the risk of fire is constantly present. The dry early months of 2026 have left the vegetation parched, making fire control a critical requirement. To address these challenges, Mường Tùng commune has localized national forestry laws into community conventions for each village. These regulations were discussed and agreed upon by the residents to ensure they suit local conditions, leading to high levels of public consensus.

Vàng A Dia, a local forest ranger, explains that including forest protection in these conventions has created an effective community monitoring mechanism. Rangers work closely with self-management groups to guide residents on fire safety, and people now actively remind one another that forest protection is a shared responsibility. So far, 1,460 people have signed forest protection commitments, representing 77% of the commune’s population.

In Mường Tùng village, which oversees 876.03ha of forest, protection tasks are strictly enforced. Village head Hoàng Văn Biên notes that the community has turned convention contents into general rules, such as strictly prohibiting illegal forest clearing for farming and banning the cutting of trees within assigned areas. Any violations are publicly criticized and handled according to agreed-upon community regulations, which enhances self-governance. Additionally, the commune has consolidated a forest fire prevention and fighting steering committee with 35 members and established 18 self-management groups across various villages with 212 members. These forces are assigned to conduct patrols four times a month, with increased frequency during peak dry periods to handle potential fire risks promptly.

Nguyễn Đình Thắng, Vice Chairman of the Mường Tùng commune People’s Committee, affirms that these achievements stem from the involvement of the entire political system and the consensus of the people. Moving forward, the commune will continue to raise awareness and coordinate closely with specialized departments, rangers, police, and military forces to minimize fire risks.

The practical experience in Mường Tùng suggests that when the responsibility of functional forces, local authorities, and the public is synchronized and regulations are tailored to reality, forest protection and fire prevention can achieve sustainable results.