Thousands evacuated as wildfire devastates Ofunato
Authorities in Japan have warned that the country’s largest wildfire in decades is likely to spread further after damaging dozens of homes and forcing more than 1,000 people to evacuate.
The fire, which began in Ofunato on Japan’s north-east coast, has continued to burn for over a week. Officials have cited strong winds and an unusually dry winter as key factors contributing to the fire’s spread.
As of Monday, the wildfire had covered approximately 2,100 hectares, damaging 84 homes and prompting the evacuation of 1,200 residents to temporary shelters such as school gymnasiums. A further 2,000 people have sought refuge with family and friends.
Officials report one fatality as firefighting efforts continue
Authorities have reported one fatality linked to the wildfire. The body of a man was discovered on a road in Ofunato late last week, though officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of death.
More than 2,000 self-defence force (SDF) personnel and firefighters have been deployed to contain the fire, which has spread through densely forested mountainous areas near the city. Ofunato was among the areas heavily affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Ofunato’s mayor, Kiyoshi Fuchigami, told reporters: “The fire has significant force. We are concerned that it will spread further.”
Government response and weather conditions
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged full government support to control the fire and limit damage to residential areas. “Although it is inevitable that the fire will spread to some extent, we will take all possible measures to ensure there will be no impact on people’s homes,” he told MPs.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has forecast snow beginning early Wednesday, with rain expected to follow by midday. Officials hope this may help slow the fire’s progression.
Japan faces record dry winter amid increasing wildfire risk
The wildfire in Ofunato is the largest in Japan since the late 1980s, according to the fire and disaster management agency. Other wildfires have broken out in Japan this winter, including in Nagano prefecture, but have been successfully contained.
Regions in north-east Japan have recorded their driest winter since the meteorological agency began keeping records in 1946. Ofunato received just 2.5mm of rainfall in February, significantly below the average of 41mm for that month.
Kyoto University professor Yoshiya Touge told the Japan Times: “The weather conditions are dry, winds are strong, and the terrain is steep. And the trees, many of which are conifers, are highly flammable. These factors contribute to the fire spreading at a faster rate.”
Japan’s largest wildfire in decades continues to spread: Summary
Japan’s largest wildfire in decades has burned through approximately 2,100 hectares in Ofunato, damaging 84 homes and forcing over 1,000 residents into temporary shelters. More than 2,000 SDF personnel and firefighters are working to contain the fire.
Officials have reported one fatality linked to the blaze. Authorities attribute the fire’s rapid spread to dry conditions and strong winds, with north-east Japan experiencing its driest winter on record.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged additional resources to combat the wildfire, while meteorologists predict snowfall and rain on Wednesday, which may aid firefighting efforts.