Mongolia blaze scorches half a million hectares, vehicle from KDDI subsidiary suspected
A grassland fire in Mongolia's Dornod Province burned about 530,000 hectares, and investigators have linked it to a Mobicom vehicle belonging to KDDI's Mongolian subsidiary.
On Oct. 8 a massive grassland fire erupted in eastern Dornod Province of Mongolia, close to the border with China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, scorching an estimated 530,000 hectares—about 80% of the Numrug Strictly Protected Area. Preliminary reports tie the ignition to a vehicle carrying officials from Mobicom, the Mongolian subsidiary of Japan’s KDDI, which had stopped to clear dry grass during a telecom network opening ceremony.
Attempts by Mobicom staff and Border and Port Authority personnel to extinguish the blaze failed, allowing the flames to spread across the reserve. Deputy Prime Minister Nyamtaishiryn Nomtoibayar has taken a hard stance, saying simple apologies are insufficient as authorities consider legal action and restoration costs. Chinese state media have called for a Japanese apology, accusing the company of evasive behavior, while former sumo champion Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj urged Mongolian MPs who accompanied the convoy to speak up. The investigation continues to determine responsibility for the extensive environmental damage.
Why it matters
The fire threatens a vast protected ecosystem and sparks diplomatic tension over responsibility.
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