Over 2,000 firefighters are currently engaged in battling what has been identified as Japan’s largest forest fire in three decades, according to officials on Monday.
Meanwhile, around 4,600 residents remain under an evacuation advisory as the situation unfolds.
The blaze, which erupted in the northern Iwate region, has already claimed the life of one individual. This incident follows record low rainfall in the area and the hottest summer on record in Japan, as climate change continues to exacerbate temperature increases globally.
“Although it is inevitable that the fire will spread to some extent, we will take all possible measures to ensure that there will be no impact on people’s homes,” Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated in parliament.
The fire, located near the city of Ofunato, has consumed approximately 2,100 hectares (5,200 acres) since it first ignited on Thursday, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Firefighters from 14 regions across Japan, including units from Tokyo, have joined forces to combat the flames. Additionally, 16 helicopters — some of which belong to the military — are actively involved in aerial firefighting efforts.
As of Sunday, the fire has caused damage to around 84 buildings, although a thorough assessment is still ongoing. Approximately 2,000 individuals have sought refuge with friends or relatives, while over 1,200 have been relocated to official shelters.
Morning footage from Ofunato aired on national broadcaster NHK displayed orange flames dangerously close to structures, coupled with white smoke billowing into the sky.
While government data indicates that the number of wildfires in Japan has decreased since the peak in the 1970s, there were approximately 1,300 wildfires reported across the country in 2023. These incidents are often concentrated between February and April, the period when air tends to dry and winds become more prevalent.
Ofunato experienced a mere 2.5 millimetres (0.1 inches) of rainfall in February, setting a record low for the month and breaking the previous record of 4.4 millimetres established in 1967. This is significantly below the usual average of 41 millimetres.
Certain types of extreme weather phenomena are well-established as being linked to climate change, including heatwaves and heavy rainfall. Other events, such as droughts, snowstorms, tropical storms, and forest fires, result from a complex interplay of various factors.
( Source : AFP )
