Wildfires cost Mongolia 3 million U.S. dollars so far this year
ULAN BATOR, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia has suffered 134 forest fires since early this year, causing direct economic losses of more than 4 billion tugriks (3 million U.S. dollars).
Statistics released by the National Emergency Management Authority on Thursday show about 120,000 hectares in total have been burned.
It said 14 forest and steppe wildfires are still spreading in the country, urging local authorities to strengthen fire fighting and prevention work.
Local media said that police were investigating the causes of the wildfires and 117 suspects had been interrogated.
Initial investigations indicated most of the wildfires were caused by human factors, the reports said.
Meanwhile, Mongolia has asked China and Russia for help in fighting the fires.
Mongolia has suffered a long drought this spring, leaving dry forests and steppe that are at risk of catching fire.
Lack of firefighting personnel and equipment as well as the scarcely populated territory make it hard for Mongolia to control wildfires.
Statistics released by the National Emergency Management Authority on Thursday show about 120,000 hectares in total have been burned.
It said 14 forest and steppe wildfires are still spreading in the country, urging local authorities to strengthen fire fighting and prevention work.
Local media said that police were investigating the causes of the wildfires and 117 suspects had been interrogated.
Initial investigations indicated most of the wildfires were caused by human factors, the reports said.
Meanwhile, Mongolia has asked China and Russia for help in fighting the fires.
Mongolia has suffered a long drought this spring, leaving dry forests and steppe that are at risk of catching fire.
Lack of firefighting personnel and equipment as well as the scarcely populated territory make it hard for Mongolia to control wildfires.
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