Japan fights their largest wildfire in three decades - 3,200 under evacuation orders - 84 structures destroyed
Thank you for choosing Automatic Translation. Currently we are offering translations from English into French and German, with more translation languages to be added in the near future. Please be aware that these translations are generated by a third party AI software service. While we have found that the translations are mostly correct, they may not be perfect in every case. To ensure the information you read is correct, please refer to the original article in English. If you find an error in a translation which you would like to bring to our attention, it would help us greatly if you let us know. We can correct any text or section, once we are aware of it. Please do not hesitate to contact our webmaster to let us know of any translation errors.
Japan is currently battling its most significant forest fire in over three decades, which has devastated approximately 2,100 hectares (5,190 acres) in the outskirts of the city of Ofunato in the Iwate Prefecture, in the northern part opf Japan.
The wildfire began on Wednesday February 26 and as of Monday March 3, the fire had spread to 2,100 hectares, or 5,190 acres. It has led to the destruction of at least 84 homes, prompting the evacuation of 3,200 residents.
Open flames and dense white smoke could be seen in still rising from structures, four dauys after the fire started. It was shown in aerial footage from the public broadcaster NHK in Ofunato's most affected neighbourhoods. The city has approximately 40,000 residents, and is located 500 km north of Tokyo.
“The fire has significant force,... We are concerned that it will spread further.” the city’s mayor, Kiyoshi Fuchigami, told reporters this week, as reported by the Asahi Shimbun newspaper.
However, relief may be in store for the area, as significant rainfall is expected this week.
The affected region has been experiencing its driest winter since 1946, contributing to the rapid spread of the fire. Like so many other countries, Japan experienced it's hottest year ever in 2024 since records began.
In response, over 2,000 firefighters and troops from Tokyo and 13 other prefectures across Japan have been deployed to combat the wildfire. Aerial firefighting efforts include the use of 16 helicopters.
According to the BBC, Ofunato typically experiences its driest season during the period from January to March. However, last month saw the lowest February rainfall in over 20 years, with only 2.5 millimeters recorded—far below the usual average of 41 millimeters.
As the fire continues to burn, thousands remain under government-issued evacuation orders.
Media reports tell of authorities informing that around 2,000 people have relocated to stay with friends or family, while more than 1,200 have sought refuge in emergency shelters.
According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA), one individual was found dead on a road on Thursday February 27, with investigations ongoing to determine if the death is related to the fire.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c89ypkq72d0o
Photo Credit: A handout photo made available on 03 March 2025 by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency shows firefighters battling a wildfire in Ofunato, Iwate prefecture. Photograph: Fire And Disaster Management Agency Handout/EPA