World · East Asia & Pacific · 4 hrs ago
Vehicle linked to major grassland fire in Mongolia nature reserve
A major grassland fire broke out in Mongolia's Numrug Nature Reserve, in the eastern province of Dornod.
The reserve is a fragile habitat where access to its central area is tightly restricted.
Mobicom said a vehicle caught fire during a field survey for telecommunications network development, igniting the grass.
Mongolian media reported that the group had planned hunting and fishing, but Mobicom described the trip as a work survey.
Mongolia deployed 606 people in 60 firefighting teams, while China sent more than 3,400 people to help prevent the flames crossing the border.
The fire has been put out, but officials warned that dry air and strong winds could cause it to spread again.
Mongolia plans to assess harm to wildlife and investigate whether the visit was necessary for Mobicom's work.
Officials said they would pursue responsibility and compensation for the country's losses.
A large grassland fire in Mongolia’s Numrug Nature Reserve was caused by a vehicle belonging to a Japanese company’s subsidiary, according to the company.
Mobicom said a team was conducting a field survey for telecommunications network development when a vehicle caught fire and ignited the grassland.
Mongolian media reported that the group had planned hunting and fishing, claims that differ from the company’s account.
Mongolia said the fire was extinguished and deployed 606 people and 100 pieces of equipment across 60 firefighting teams.
Officials said they would investigate responsibility and assess damage to wildlife.
- Who
- Mobicom, a subsidiary of a Japanese company, said its vehicle caused the fire. Mongolian officials are investigating the company’s staff and border checkpoint management personnel.
- What
- A large grassland fire broke out in a nature reserve. The company said a vehicle caught fire and ignited dry grass.
- When
- The group reportedly entered the reserve on the 7th. The first report of the fire came at 11:55 a.m. on the 8th.
- Where
- Numrug Nature Reserve in Khalkhgol district, Dornod province, eastern Mongolia.
- Why
- Mobicom said the vehicle caught fire during a field survey for telecommunications network development. Mongolian media reported the group had planned hunting and fishing.
Mobicom
Mongolian media reports
Aspect
Mobicom
Mobicom's view
Mongolian media reports
Mongolian media reports' view
Purpose of visit
Mobicom
The group was conducting a field survey for telecommunications network development.
Mongolian media reports
The group had planned hunting and fishing in the reserve.
Cause of fire
Mobicom
The company said a vehicle caught fire and caused the grassland fire.
Mongolian media reports
Reports said a vehicle ignited dry grass while driving.
A group of 13 people reportedly entered the reserve in five vehicles.
The first report of the fire was received.
Firefighters were shown working to extinguish the fire in the border area of China’s Inner Mongolia region.
- People in group
- 13
- Vehicles
- 5
- Firefighting teams
- 60
- Mongolian response
- 606 people and 100 pieces of equipment
- Chinese response
- More than 3,400 people mobilized to prevent the fire from spreading into China
3 sources
What people are saying
当時は通信網の整備に向けた現地調査をしていた。その際に車両から出火し、草原火災を引き起こした