Currently, the province manages over 434,647 hectares of forest, which is an increase of more than 8,200 hectares compared to 2024, bringing the forest coverage rate to 45.52%. This massive area presents a significant challenge for management and forest fire prevention and control, particularly during the dry season when high temperatures and parched conditions persist for long periods.

Since the start of 2026, forest protection forces have taken a proactive stance. In the first quarter alone, functional forces, local authorities, and forest owners organized 1,276 patrols involving nearly 6,000 participants. These efforts focused on high-risk areas prone to fires, deforestation, and illegal logging, effectively strengthening forest management right at the grassroots level.

Raising public awareness is a central pillar of the province’s strategy. In the first three months of the year, authorities held 128 dissemination sessions with over 7,500 attendees and secured forest protection commitments from nearly 7,000 residents. These outreach efforts are constantly refined and diversified to suit different groups of people. Furthermore, fire forecasting and warning systems are maintained around the clock. Forest rangers regularly update meteorological data and monitor satellite systems to promptly notify local units and owners of fire risks, enabling them to deploy preventive measures well in advance.

Lò Thị Thi, Vice Director of the Forest Protection Division under the Department of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized that PCCCR is their top priority. She noted that the department has directed local units to stay close to their assigned areas and work hand-in-hand with local governments and forest owners to ensure no large fires break out.

Despite these efforts, the prolonged heat and the timing of traditional slash-and-burn farming have created a complicated situation. In the first quarter, satellite monitoring detected 2,534 suspected fire points. Verification revealed that 13 fires spread into the forest, damaging 4 hectares. Fortunately, these were primarily undergrowth fires that did not significantly impact the overall forest structure or its classification criteria.

In Mường Nhé, the Forest Protection Unit is tasked with overseeing a massive area across Nậm Kè, Mường Toong, Mường Nhé, and Sín Thầu. Lò Văn Giáp, Vice Head of the Mường Nhé Forest Protection Unit, shared that the biggest hurdle remains the local custom of upland farming. To address this, rangers are heading to the villages to guide residents on safe, controlled burning techniques.

A success story can be found in a 1,000-hectare forest area bordering Mường Toong and Mường Tè (Lai Châu province), which was previously a hotspot for deforestation. Since the two localities agreed to contract the management to the residents of Nậm Ngà village, who now benefit from forest environmental services, the situation has improved dramatically.

Community involvement is also thriving in Mường Ảng. In Bản Giảng, residents manage nearly 50 hectares of watershed protection forest. Quàng Văn Muôn, the village’s head, explained that the community is regularly reminded of burning regulations. Anyone planning to clear land must notify the village and assign people to monitor the fire. Villagers have also mobilized to clear firebreaks around the forest. This proactive approach by residents proves that when people are directly involved in protection, they become the most effective force for safeguarding the “green lungs” of the province.

At a recent review meeting for the first quarter of 2026, Lò Văn Cương, Standing Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, demanded that all sectors continue to heighten their vigilance. He urged authorities to identify fire risks early and maintain a unified command structure.

He also advised residents to temporarily pause field burning during peak heat periods and stressed the importance of the “4 on-the-spot” principle: command, forces, equipment, and logistics must be ready at the scene. Furthermore, he encouraged a shift toward high-value crops to eventually end slash-and-burn practices altogether.

Looking ahead, Điện Biên is determined to maintain its flexible and synchronized approach. The focus will remain on public awareness, strict control of fire use near forests, and the increased application of technology for monitoring and alerts. By combining modern tools with the traditional wisdom and strength of the community, the province aims to protect its vital forest resources for sustainable development.