Japan is currently grappling with its largest wildfire in over 30 years, which has devastated the coastal city of Ofunato. Since the blaze began, it has claimed the life of one individual, displaced thousands, and damaged numerous homes, highlighting the pressing threat of wildfires in the region.
Japan's Biggest Wildfire in Over Three Decades Leaves One Dead and Thousands Evacuated
Japan's Biggest Wildfire in Over Three Decades Leaves One Dead and Thousands Evacuated
A massive wildfire in Ofunato has caused widespread destruction, resulting in at least one fatality and extensive evacuations.
The wildfire, spanning approximately 1,800 hectares, erupted on Wednesday in Ofunato, located about 300 miles northeast of Tokyo. Fire officials reported that the flames had notably expanded by 400 hectares since Saturday. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency indicated that as of Wednesday night, at least 84 homes had suffered damage following the fire’s onset. Tragically, police discovered a man’s body on the road during an assessment of the area, confirming his death on Thursday. Subsequent evacuation orders affected around 4,600 local residents, with roughly 1,200 individuals seeking refuge in emergency shelters by Sunday morning.
Approximately 1,700 firefighters from 14 different prefectures have been mobilized to combat the extensive blaze. Footage from Japan’s NHK public broadcaster depicted helicopters and firefighting aircraft battling the flames towering among the trees, while thick smoke clouds filled the skies.
Authorities have not updated the public on the containment progress nor reported any potential damage to additional structures. The exact cause of the wildfire remains under investigation. Experts noted that Japan had not experienced a forest fire of this magnitude since a devastating incident in Hokkaido in 1992, which ravaged more than 1,000 hectares.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has pointed out that February this year marked the driest in over two decades for the region, contributing to the wildfire risks. In addition to the Ofunato blaze, officials are attending to two smaller wildfires: one in Yamanashi prefecture, which grew to 120 hectares since its start, and another in Nagano, which reached 100 hectares by Sunday.
Approximately 1,700 firefighters from 14 different prefectures have been mobilized to combat the extensive blaze. Footage from Japan’s NHK public broadcaster depicted helicopters and firefighting aircraft battling the flames towering among the trees, while thick smoke clouds filled the skies.
Authorities have not updated the public on the containment progress nor reported any potential damage to additional structures. The exact cause of the wildfire remains under investigation. Experts noted that Japan had not experienced a forest fire of this magnitude since a devastating incident in Hokkaido in 1992, which ravaged more than 1,000 hectares.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has pointed out that February this year marked the driest in over two decades for the region, contributing to the wildfire risks. In addition to the Ofunato blaze, officials are attending to two smaller wildfires: one in Yamanashi prefecture, which grew to 120 hectares since its start, and another in Nagano, which reached 100 hectares by Sunday.
