Forest fires affect large areas in Mongolia. Generally, about 95 % of these are regarded as caused by human activities, while only 5 % are due to natural factors, mainly lightning. Fires most likely occur during the spring and autumn periods, the highest fire risk season, when activities such as timber harvesting, use of non-timber forest products, and hunting may cause forest fires. Forest fires burn large amounts of herbaceous plants, peat, humus layer, moss, tree crowns, shrubs, and trees on the surface of the forest soil. There can be surface, ground, and crown fires depending on environmental conditions and the amount of fuel in the forest ecosystem, with crown fires resulting in effects that are more deleterious and may lead to many tree deaths. \
The UN-REDD Program is working with the Mongolia government to develop a National REDD+ Strategy, which will outline the policies and measures for reducing deforestation and degradation from forest fire, pests and other causes. As part of the development of the strategy and to determine long-term capacity building needs two experts from US Forest Service will spend two weeks undertaking a rapid assessment of the current situation to provide recommendations and possible long-term capacity support for the country. The work will consist of focus group meetings, field trip and a training seminar on 1st to 2nd May.