TOKYO, March 5 (Alliance News): Japan is battling its worst wildfire in half a century, which has consumed 2,600 hectares near the northern city of Ofunato, leaving one person dead and forcing nearly 4,000 residents to evacuate.
The blaze, which began five days ago amid record-low rainfall, continues to spread as helicopters and firefighters struggle to contain it. The fire follows Japan’s hottest summer on record and is linked to prolonged dry conditions.
A city official confirmed that there is no indication the fire is under control. While snow is expected overnight, authorities fear poor weather could hinder aerial firefighting efforts.
Around 2,000 firefighters, including those deployed from Tokyo, are battling the flames in the Iwate region, which was severely impacted by the 2011 tsunami. The wildfire has already damaged at least 80 buildings, and businesses such as Taiheiyo Cement have suspended operations.
Japanese baseball star Roki Sasaki, who recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, has donated 10 million yen ($67,000) and 500 sets of bedding to support evacuees.
The number of wildfires in Japan has declined since the 1970s, but with climate change intensifying extreme weather, officials warn that more destructive fires could become a recurring threat.
