During the last week, emergency management units across Ulaanbaatar City’s eight districts and 37 soums in 17 provinces responded to a series of incidents involving household fires, forest and steppe blazes, and other emergencies caused by human activity.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), firefighters and rescue personnel saved six people’s lives and evacuated 223 individuals from smoke-filled areas, ensuring their safety. Out of the total emergency calls received, 81 were household fires, 16 were forest and grassland fires, and 12 were accidents linked to human activity, including electrical and heating-related incidents.
One notable case occurred in Murun soum of Khuvsgul Province, where a fire broke out on the third floor of the “Khoimor Tower” building at around 8:04 p.m. on October 4. Firefighters quickly responded and successfully extinguished the blaze, which had spread along the internal wiring system from the third to the 12th floors. As a precaution, 192 residents from 48 households on the fourth to 12th floors were evacuated from the building to safe areas. Fortunately, no injuries or cases of smoke inhalation were reported, according to the Khuvsgul Provincial Emergency Management Department.
Authorities warn that as temperatures drop and households in ger districts increase heating activities, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, household fires, and related accidents remains high. In the capital city alone, six household fire incidents were reported just a few days ago, involving burning of homes, vehicles, dry grass, and waste piles, highlighting ongoing safety challenges.
The situation is particularly serious nationwide. In September alone, there were 154 recorded cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, resulting in three deaths. From January to September 2024, a total of 1,499 carbon monoxide poisoning cases were reported, with 31 fatalities. Among the most affected areas, Songinokhairkhan District reported 14 deaths, Khan-Uul and Bayangol districts six each, Bayanzurkh three, and Chingeltei District two.
Emergency officials are urging citizens to exercise extreme caution, ensure proper ventilation in homes, regularly inspect heating systems, and use only certified stoves and equipment. Families are also encouraged to install carbon monoxide detectors and follow fire safety measures to prevent tragedies as the cold season begins.
With increased awareness and vigilance, authorities hope to reduce preventable deaths and injuries, emphasizing that even simple precautions can save lives and protect communities from fire and smoke hazards.
