Mongolian Deputy Prime Minister M. Enkhbold has said his
country would ask China and Russia for help to extinguish the spreading
wildfires should the current situation worsen further.

Enkhbold, also chairman of the National Emergency Committee, made the remarks
on Thursday during an emergency meeting held to seek measures to control the
wildfires.

The National Emergency Management Authority reported that at present there are
a total of 20 forest and steppe wildfires within its territory, among which 14
are still burning.

Some wildfires broke out in mountainous areas, and there was no road for
vehicles to pass through. So the firefighters had to walk dozens of kilometers
to launch their fire-fighting operation.

Moreover, strong winds and their often changing directions further increased
the difficulties for the fire fighting efforts.

Since the beginning of 2012, there have been a total of 129 forest and steppe
wildfires in Mongolia and most were caused by human factors.

Mongolia has long been stricken by a drought since this spring and the forests
and steppe are highly exposed to fire risks. The National Emergency Committee
has ordered local authorities to strengthen their fire prevention work.