Japan is struggling with its most devastating wildfire in more than 30 years, as a massive blaze continues to ravage the forested area surrounding Ofunato, a coastal city on the east coast of Japan’s main island. The wildfire, which ignited several days ago, has already consumed around 1,800 hectares (4,500 acres) of land, destroyed homes, claimed at least one life, and forced thousands to flee.
Since Saturday, the fire has expanded by an additional 400 hectares, worsening the situation and placing immense pressure on firefighting resources. Authorities have yet to fully contain the blaze, which is showing no signs of slowing down.
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The fire was first reported on Wednesday, with the Fire and Disaster Management Agency confirming that 84 homes had been damaged by that evening. Authorities later discovered the body of a man in the affected area, although his identity remains undisclosed.
By Sunday morning, evacuation orders had been issued to around 4,600 people, and 1,200 residents are now taking refuge in emergency shelters. Nearly 1,700 firefighters from 14 prefectures have been dispatched to battle the inferno, and helicopters are being used to drop water on the burning forest. However, it remains unclear how much of the fire has been contained as of now.
This is the largest wildfire Japan has encountered since a 1992 blaze in Hokkaido, which scorched over 1,000 hectares. The fire in Ofunato is being fueled by unusually dry weather, with February 2025 recorded as the driest in over two decades. The persistent dry conditions have made firefighting efforts even more challenging.
Authorities are also battling smaller fires in other regions, including Yamanashi and Nagano, putting further strain on Japan’s firefighting resources. Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant, as dry conditions and rising temperatures increase the risk of additional fires.
With climate change intensifying extreme weather patterns, concerns are growing over the vulnerability of Japan’s forested areas to wildfires. Last year, Japan recorded its hottest year on record, a trend that is expected to continue unless global efforts to curb global warming are successful.
As the fire continues to rage, the people of Ofunato and surrounding areas face an uncertain future, anxiously awaiting relief from the ongoing disaster.
