Japan is facing its most devastating wildfire in over three decades, with ongoing efforts to control a blaze that has claimed at least one life and forced thousands to evacuate from their homes.
Japan Battles Its Worst Wildfire in Over 30 Years
Japan Battles Its Worst Wildfire in Over 30 Years
At least one fatality has been reported as evacuation orders have been issued for thousands in the coastal city of Ofunato amid a raging wildfire.
The roughly 1,800-hectare (4,500-acre) fire emerged in a forested area close to Ofunato, a small coastal city located approximately 300 miles northeast of Tokyo. The situation escalated throughout the week, growing by an alarming 400 hectares since Saturday. Fire officials indicated that the flames have already damaged over 84 homes, prompting the government to issue evacuation orders for about 4,600 residents. As of Sunday, local shelters were housing around 1,200 evacuees.
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency was first alerted to the blaze on Wednesday afternoon. Tragically, the body of a man was discovered by police while conducting searches in the area, but specific details surrounding the incident have not been disclosed.
A powerful firefighting response has been mounted, with nearly 1,700 firefighters from 14 different prefectures working tirelessly to combat the flames. Aerial footage displayed by NHK, Japan's national broadcaster, illustrated the chaotic scene, with firefighting aircraft battling thick smoke clouds as uniformed teams tried to contain the surging fires.
The root cause of the wildfire is currently under investigation, with officials noting that the last fire of comparable size occurred in 1992 on Hokkaido, impacting over 1,000 hectares. Ofunato typically experiences its driest period between January and March, and the recent February was recorded as the driest in more than 20 years.
Compounding these challenges, officials are also addressing two other smaller wildfires. One in Yamanashi prefecture, which initiated on Wednesday, has spread to cover 120 hectares, while another in Nagano prefecture began on Friday and has reached 100 hectares by Sunday.
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency was first alerted to the blaze on Wednesday afternoon. Tragically, the body of a man was discovered by police while conducting searches in the area, but specific details surrounding the incident have not been disclosed.
A powerful firefighting response has been mounted, with nearly 1,700 firefighters from 14 different prefectures working tirelessly to combat the flames. Aerial footage displayed by NHK, Japan's national broadcaster, illustrated the chaotic scene, with firefighting aircraft battling thick smoke clouds as uniformed teams tried to contain the surging fires.
The root cause of the wildfire is currently under investigation, with officials noting that the last fire of comparable size occurred in 1992 on Hokkaido, impacting over 1,000 hectares. Ofunato typically experiences its driest period between January and March, and the recent February was recorded as the driest in more than 20 years.
Compounding these challenges, officials are also addressing two other smaller wildfires. One in Yamanashi prefecture, which initiated on Wednesday, has spread to cover 120 hectares, while another in Nagano prefecture began on Friday and has reached 100 hectares by Sunday.
