As of May this year, a fire risk map has been developed for forest and grassland fires across Mongolia, based on an analysis of data from 2000 to 2024. According to the risk map, 23.1 percent of the country’s territory is considered low risk, 7.4 percent is medium risk, 5.4 percent is high risk, and six percent is classified as very high risk.

The risk map was created by evaluating several key factors, including the locations of major forest and grassland fire outbreaks, fire frequency maps, fire hazard levels, land cover maps, and the 2025 May drought index. These factors were analyzed to predict the potential for fires across different regions of the country.

Approximately eight percent of Mongolia’s total land area is covered by forests, which accounts for roughly 12.9 million hectares. The majority of these forests are concentrated in the northern regions, including Bulgan, Khentii, Khuvsgul, and Selenge provinces. Mongolian forests are primarily made up of coniferous species such as larch, pine, cedar and spruce. These forests play a critical role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, regulating the climate, and protecting soil integrity.

The fire risk mapping initiative underscores the importance of understanding fire-prone areas in order to develop strategies for preventing and mitigating forest and grassland fires, which pose a significant threat to both the environment and local communities.