Dry weather along with severe saline intrusion in the region has caused forests to dry up.  

Le Van Hai, head of Ca Mau's Forest Protection Department, said that the entire forest area of over 42,300 hectares was on high fire alert, including U Minh Ha National Park. 

Of the figure, 11,156 hectares is at the level of being very dangerous. 

Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary's average temperature these days is measured at up to 32 degrees centigrade with the moisture of 50 - 56% and strong winds. At present, the water level at the area's canals is much lower than the same period of last year. 

The sanctuary management board and provincial forest management board clear vulnerable areas and take advantage of high flood tides for watering forests. Besides, they have also tourism activities. 

Tran Binh Loc, director of the sanctuary, sasid “We have stationed staff to keep a close watch on forest fire risk round the clock." 

An Giang have announced raised the forest fire warning level to "very dangerous".