ĐỒNG THÁP — A major fire broke out in the forest of Tràm Chim National Park in the Mekong Delta province of Đồng Tháp, known as the haven for several rare, protected bird species.

The blaze, which started around noon on Tuesday, raged under the melaleuca canopy, in dry grasslands and across orchards (mostly jackfruit) cultivated by residents near the park, with smoke billowing several metres high.

Due to the hot weather and strong winds, the fire spread quickly and the full extent of the damage is not yet clear, according to the park's management board.

The blaze was only a few hundreds metres away from the provincial road ĐT-843 and smoke meant many drivers were unable to see and had to stop their journey due to poor visibility.

Đồng Nai Province's authorities mobilised firefighters and military personnel, along with local fire rescue units, to try and contain the blaze.