Ofunato, Japan (March 4, 2025) – Nearly 1,700 firefighters are locked in an intense battle against Japan’s most devastating forest fire in over 30 years, as the inferno continues to consume vast swathes of land in Iwate Prefecture. With flames raging uncontrollably near the city of Ofunato, authorities have issued evacuation advisories affecting approximately 4,600 residents, while the disaster’s toll continues to rise.
The wildfire, which erupted on Thursday following an extended period of record-low rainfall, has already scorched an estimated 2,100 hectares, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The blaze follows last year’s hottest summer on record in Japan, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of the country’s ecosystems to extreme climate conditions. One fatality was reported last week, underscoring the perilous nature of the unfolding catastrophe.
Firefighting reinforcements from 14 Japanese regions, including elite units from Tokyo, have joined the operation to suppress the flames. Sixteen helicopters—some deployed by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces—have been mobilized to execute aerial water drops in an effort to contain the relentless spread of the inferno. Ground crews are simultaneously engaged in backbreaking efforts to establish firebreaks and prevent further destruction of residential areas.
By Sunday, at least 84 buildings had sustained damage, though authorities were still conducting assessments to determine the full extent of the destruction. Thick smoke continues to engulf affected regions, hampering visibility and complicating evacuation efforts. Emergency response teams remain on high alert, coordinating operations to ensure the safety of displaced residents.
Approximately 2,000 people have fled their homes, seeking refuge with friends or relatives, while an additional 1,200 individuals have taken shelter in designated evacuation centers. Relief organizations are actively providing food, medical aid, and psychological support to those affected, as authorities work to stabilize the situation. The government has urged residents to remain vigilant and follow official advisories to mitigate further risks.
With weather conditions remaining unpredictable, authorities fear the wildfire could continue to spread, exacerbating the crisis. Japan’s meteorological agency is closely monitoring the situation, with officials warning that strong winds and dry conditions could further intensify the blaze. The nation now watches anxiously, hoping for swift containment before more lives and homes are lost.
