U Minh Thuong National Park in Kien Giang Province, southern Vietnam is taking some time off for enhanced efforts in preventing fires amid heatwaves during the 2024 dry season.

The closure began on March 15 and will last until further notice.

Tran Van Thang, deputy director of the park management board, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Wednesday that the extreme heat presents a significant risk of fires in the national park, given the presence of many inflammable materials.

To heighten the prevention of fires, the park, one of the best-known tourist attractions in the Mekong Delta region, is temporarily closing its door to tourists, Thang underlined.

"Annually, the national park attracts over 40,000 visitors," he said.

"During their visit, tourists can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, explore unique wetlands, engage in fishing activities, and observe various wildlife species.

"Due to concerns about the potential for visitors' carelessness leading to fire outbreaks, particularly amidst the sweltering weather conditions, the park management board has opted to temporarily close the area."

U Minh Thuong National Park covers over 20,000 hectares of land in An Minh Bac and Minh Thuan Communes under U Minh Thuong District, with some 9,715 hectares of forest.

The wilderness area of the park spans over 8,000 hectares.

Local media reported that the national park harbors over 200 plant species, approximately 32 species of mammals, 180 bird species, 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, and more than 64 species of fish.

Among these, dozens of species are categorized as rare animals.

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