Sapa, Vietnam is very close to our hearts. Many of you have traveled there and have been blessed by its people. We just received this news from our GVI team on the ground.

Just got updating news regarding Sapa yesterday. There is a huge fire throughout many forests in Sapa. The fire has been expanding to many communities that GVI teams has stepped on like Ta Van (NorthWood), San Sa Ho (Skelly Drive), Ban Ho (Oso Creek), Lao Chai (NorthWood), etc. It is out of control of Lao Cai authority even though they are using all human resource from military, government officers, fire police, local people, etc.  Lao Cai province have been calling for help from Central Government in order to stop the fire.

We’ll let you know more as we hear from our staff in Hanoi.

Here is the newest update from Tan in our GVI, Hanoi office.

Dennis,
Got an updating from Sapa leader about the fire situation. The fire has
stopped on the 15 Feb. before extending to the community/village where the
local people live after the government sent about 4,000 military people.
They can not use helicopter or whatever modern machine since it is
mountainous area with lot of peaks that prevent them from approaching the fire.
They had to use very simple and basic methods to stop the fire (like using
sand, cloth or stick to beat the fire, or fill the water into the small
container then carry on their shoulder to the fire, etc.)
As their report, no death loss, no public construction/places like school,
clinic etc…damage. The fire only caused the forest damage.
They will have to invest money to replant them. Most of the forests are under the government
ownership so there is not impact to the local people’s income.
In my talking to the Sapa leader, there is no emergency need because of it
so far. They said it would be terrible if the fire came to the community,
and they would need LOT of help from GVI if it happened.
Tan

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