A large fire broke out in Mongolia’s eastern Numrug Nature Reserve, burning approximately 80% of the area. The fire is believed to have started in a vehicle carrying executives of a company in major Japanese telecommunications group KDDI.
A large fire broke out in Mongolia’s eastern Numrug Nature Reserve and continued burning for several days, destroying approximately 80% of the nature reserve. Burned remains and blackened ground spread across the area, which was home to reindeer, wolves and rare plants.
Three Mobicom executives visited the site on the day the fire broke out, and it has been suggested that the fire may have started in a moving vehicle.
Mobicom CEO Ochi Yasuhiro (越智 康博) said he deeply apologized for the damage to the natural environment and would work to prevent a recurrence. Reports based on coverage of the reserve and explanations from those involved also said that the group of executives was accompanied by, among others, the younger brother of a former member of the Diet.
A local government official said, “An apology alone will not be enough,” and reports said anger was mounting. Further reports on local conditions and efforts to determine the cause are awaited.
The fire has also attracted international attention, including through camera footage and information from local reporting. The parties concerned need to disclose measures to prevent a recurrence and provide updates on progress in restoring the environment at the site.