A grassland fire burned for 8 days from 8 October in the Numrug Nature Reserve in eastern Mongolia, destroying approximately 80% of the reserve. The fire is believed to have been caused by a convoy including Japanese executives from モビコム entering the area, and it spread toward China, prompting the deployment of numerous personnel along the border.
A large grassland fire broke out on 8 October in the Numrug Nature Reserve in eastern Mongolia and spread over a wide area due to strong winds. The reserve covers approximately 5,870 square kilometers, and the burned area is said to have reached nearly 80% of the reserve, described as more than twice the area of Tokyo. Emergency authorities from multiple areas and border guards were mobilized to fully extinguish the fire.
A convoy located in the reserve's core area has been cited as the location and cause of the fire. The five vehicles carried 13 people, including Japanese executives from モビコム, and their entry into the area to assess conditions is considered a factor in the fire. モビコム explained that its employees were checking the progress of telecommunications network construction at the site at the time.
The fire crossed the border and approached the Chinese side, resulting in the deployment of more than 3,400 personnel along the border. Local government and multiple agencies took part in firefighting operations, which continued until the fire was expected to be fully extinguished on the morning of the 16th. The impact of the fire on the natural environment remains unknown, and attention is focused on the pursuit of those responsible and developments in compensation amounts.
Based on local news reports and explanations from people involved, モビコム stated that its employees entered the area after obtaining the required procedures and permits. At the same time, questions have been raised domestically and internationally about the purpose of entering the reserve and the appropriateness of the procedures. The Mongolian government is considering pursuing responsibility and seeking compensation for losses.