Numrug National Park wildfire in Mongolia

A massive wildfire ignited on October 8 destroyed approximately 80% of the Numrug Strictly Protected Area in Mongolia’s Dornod Province, scorching nearly 500,000 hectares of the wildlife sanctuary. The blaze was contained by October 16.

Investigations indicate the fire was likely caused by a vehicle convoy belonging to Mobicom Corporation, a Mongolian telecommunications provider and subsidiary of Japan’s KDDI Corporation. The convoy, which included Mobicom CEO Yasuhiro Ochi, was reportedly in the restricted zone for 4G network testing, though some reports suggested potential hunting or fishing activities. Mobicom CEO Yasuhiro Ochi has issued a formal apology to the Mongolian people, and KDDI has stated they are treating the matter “extremely seriously.”

The Mongolian government has launched an ecological damage assessment to seek financial compensation. Ecologists warn of permanent damage to soil quality and biodiversity, noting that the loss of habitat poses significant risks to local wildlife, including brown bears, moose, Mongolian gazelles, reindeer, and wolves, which may struggle to overwinter.