Ministries outline plan to thwart wildfires
TO thwart the spread of wildfires, the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries have outlined a multi-point plan, urging all concerned parties, especially community protected areas, to collaborate to prevent potential wildfires.
This joint notice, released on January 12, underscores the impact of the yearly dry season, which significantly elevates the risk of wildfires. Notably, human activities are identified as a major contributor to the concerning rise in fire-related incidents.
“During the dry season, common causes of wildfires include deforestation for agriculture, nomadic farming, illegal encroachment on forest land and burning forests to catch animals. The issue of people carelessly leaving burning firewood in the forest is also of concern,” the notice said.
The two ministries highlighted that wildfires each year lead to the loss of forests and vital environmental assets in protected areas, posing a threat to the economy, environment and nature’s provisions.
Acknowledging these challenges, the ministries have directed specialised units, sub-national administrations, agriculture, forestry and environment departments, community protect areas, fishing and agricultural communities, along with all relevant parties, to follow key measures.
Communities are advised to use fires carefully for cooking, collecting honey, burning grass, catching animals and harvesting forest products.
To curb illegal activities, such as logging and clearing for arable land expansion, strict measures are urged.
When residents need fire for legal purposes, notifying relevant agriculture and environment departments is a crucial step. These departments will guide them in following established technical measures for safe fire use.
Departments involved in seeking forest products must ensure that fires are fully extinguished before leaving burned trees.
It’s essential to prepare paths for wildfires, store enough water for daily use and take action to limit the spread of fires.
In case of a wildfire, an emergency declaration is necessary, with police commands leading efforts involving residents, monks, students, civil servants and armed forces.
Under the leadership of state land management committees, legal action is mandated against intruders and burners of forested land. Collaborate with local authorities to prohibit the use of burned forested and flooded forest land, allowing for natural growth or replanting of tree saplings.
“According to the Forestry and Fisheries Laws, citizens, members of the armed forces and authorities at all levels are mandated to care for and protect forested areas, as well as combat any wildfires that happen. It is also their responsibility to collaborate in preserving fish habitats and preventing fires within flooded forests and wetlands in their respective areas,” the joint statement said.
Individuals intentionally causing forest or flooded forest fires will be subject to charges and penalties under either Class I Forestry Offences or Class I Fishery Offences, resulting in prison sentences of three to 10 years.
Article 62 of the Law on Protected Areas deems deliberately causing wildfires a natural resources offence of the fourth degree, leading to jail terms of five to 10 years and fines ranging from 15 to 150 million riel ($3,675 to $36,750).