In brief
Japan's largest wildfire in decades has struck Ofunato, causing one death and displacing thousands, as firefighting teams scramble to contain the blaze.
Japan is currently battling its largest wildfire in more than 30 years in Ofunato, a coastal city on the eastern side of the main island. This uncontrolled fire has tragically resulted in at least one confirmed death and has forced approximately 4,600 residents to evacuate their homes.As of Sunday, the wildfire spans around 1,800 hectares (4,500 acres) and has increased by 400 hectares since Saturday. Fire officials reported that at least 84 homes have been affected by the flames, which have been raging for days. Authorities discovered the body of a man near the site while conducting checks on Thursday, but details regarding the incident remain limited.The Japanese government has mobilized nearly 1,700 firefighters from 14 prefectures to combat the blaze, with aerial firefighting operations visible as smoke plumes billow into the sky. While efforts are ongoing, the extent of the fire's impact on residential areas is still being assessed, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.Unlike the current situation, the last wildfire of comparable magnitude occurred in 1992, burning over 1,000 hectares in Hokkaido. It's noteworthy that Ofunato has been experiencing a significantly dry season, with February being the driest month in over 20 years, contributing to the fire's rapid spread. Additionally, fire crews are also addressing two smaller wildfires in nearby prefectures Yamanashi and Nagano.
