KDDI published details of the grassland fire that broke out on the 8th in Numrug Nature Reserve in eastern Mongolia. It said that the visit by Mobicom employees and others was intended to check the telecommunications network and 4G communications quality on site at the request of local authorities.
Mongolia’s state broadcaster reported that the grassland fire in Numrug Nature Reserve affected approximately 530,000 hectares, including the nature reserve. Reports from the area had raised questions about entry procedures and the purpose of the visit by Mobicom executives and others.
KDDI provided a detailed explanation of the purpose of the visit, the authorities’ permits and the events leading up to the fire, stating that some information being circulated differed from the facts. The visit took place from 6 to 8 October, and Mobicom employees and others reportedly went to the area to attend a ceremony marking the launch of the telecommunications network and to check 4G communications quality.
KDDI explained that entry into the protected area was authorised by an entry permit issued by the border guards, and that activities were conducted under the management and supervision of the Border Ports Authority. The convoy received guidance and rear support from the authorities and stopped every 20 to 30 minutes to remove dry grass from underneath the vehicles.
When the fire broke out, smoke was detected while dry grass was being removed from underneath the vehicles. The group conducted firefighting activities in accordance with the authorities’ instructions, but the fire spread to the surrounding area and expanded across a wide area. Local authorities are investigating the cause and factors contributing to the spread, and Mobicom and its employees are fully cooperating with the investigation.