A large steppe fire that broke out in Numrug Nature Reserve in eastern Mongolia was reportedly caused by vehicles belonging to Japanese company MobiCom entering the area. Japanese executives and others were also reportedly accompanying the group at the site.
A steppe fire broke out in Numrug Nature Reserve in Khalkhgol District, Dornod Province, eastern Mongolia. The fire reportedly started in the reserve's core zone, an area subject to strict access restrictions.
Mongolian media reported that 13 people, including MobiCom's Japanese executives, entered the reserve in 5 vehicles, igniting dry grass and causing the fire to spread on a large scale. MobiCom said the fire started at a site where a field survey was being conducted.
Mongolian authorities announced that they brought the fire under control with 60 firefighting teams, 606 people and 100 pieces of equipment. China, meanwhile, said it had deployed more than 3,400 people to contain the spread of the fire near the border.
Some Mongolian media reports concerning MobiCom have pointed to a possible connection with plans for hunting and fishing for Amur taimen, an endangered species. The relevant authorities have stated that they will pursue accountability for officials and border-control authorities and seek compensation for the losses, and have indicated that they will continue their investigation.