News Wildfire spreads in Ofunato as firefighters battle to control the flames

On Friday, a wildfire spread through forests near Ofunato in Iwate Prefecture, prompting city officials to issue evacuation orders. The fire was first reported at 11:55 a.m. on Wednesday in the city's Sanriku district. The blaze remains uncontrolled despite ongoing efforts to contain it. That same day, helicopters dropped water on the area to curb its spread. By Friday 8:00 a.m., the fire had scorched approximately 225 hectares, according to NHK.


With the flames approaching residential areas, city officials issued evacuation orders late Thursday. Around 300 personnel from firefighting teams, police, and other agencies have been mobilized on the ground. At the same time, seven helicopters from Iwate and Miyagi prefectures, along with the Self-Defense Forces, continue aerial firefighting operations.

No injuries or property damage have been reported so far. However, with the fire posing an increasing threat to nearby homes, officials ordered 62 households — covering 157 residents — in the Tahama district to evacuate Thursday night. Footage from NHK showed flames and thick smoke engulfing large sections of forest Friday morning as SDF helicopters continued their water-drop efforts. A dry-air advisory from the Meteorological Agency remains in effect for Ofunato as of 10:16 a.m. Friday, with officials concerned that parched conditions could accelerate the fire's spread.

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Wildfires are still raging in Ofunato. While one was finally doused, another one started, resulting in the evacuation of over 500 people in Ofunato and Rikuzentakata.

With all the snow in the north, I'm rather surprised to hear about these fires.

There is not much snow along the Pacific coast, and the forests and underwood are as dry as tinder. Our (usually swampy) local park is like a sandbox. It's time for some precipitation.

Meanwhile, the evacuation orders have been extended in Iwate: 2,000 residents had to leave their homes, and 84 buildings have been destroyed.