Japan is currently grappling with its most significant wildfire in over three decades, which has devastated the northeastern coastal city of Ōfunato in Iwate Prefecture. The blaze, which began on February 26, 2025, has rapidly expanded, leading to extensive property damage and mass evacuations.
Scope of the Wildfire
As of March 3, the wildfire has consumed approximately 2,100 hectares (5,190 acres) of forest land. This makes it the largest forest fire in Japan’s history, surpassing the previous record set in 1992 in Kushiro, Hokkaido.
Evacuations and Casualties
The severity of the situation has prompted evacuation orders affecting 1,896 households, totaling 4,596 residents across 17 districts in Ōfunato City. Of these evacuees, more than 1,200 individuals have sought refuge in school gymnasiums and other shelters, while approximately 2,000 are staying with friends or relatives. Tragically, the fire has claimed one life; authorities discovered a man’s body on a road on February 27 and are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Property Damage
The wildfire has inflicted significant property damage, with at least 84 homes reported as destroyed. Aerial footage has revealed the charred remains of numerous structures, highlighting the extensive impact on the affected communities.
Firefighting Efforts
In response to the escalating crisis, Japan has mobilized over 2,000 firefighters and Self-Defense Force (SDF) personnel from across the country to combat the blaze. Fire brigades, including a command support team from the Tokyo Fire Department and helicopters from Fukushima Prefecture Disaster Prevention, are actively engaged in firefighting operations. Despite their concerted efforts, the fire continues to spread through heavily forested mountainous areas, complicating containment strategies.
Contributing Factors
The region has experienced its driest winter since 1946, with Ōfunato receiving just 2.5 mm of rainfall throughout February, compared to an average of 41 mm in previous years. These unusually dry conditions, coupled with strong winds, have exacerbated the wildfire’s rapid spread.
Government Response
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged to deploy all necessary resources to mitigate the disaster’s impact. He assured the public that measures are being taken to prevent further damage to residential areas and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting affected communities.
Outlook
Meteorological forecasts offer a glimmer of hope, with snow expected to begin falling from early Wednesday, transitioning to rain by noon. These weather conditions could aid firefighting efforts and help bring the wildfire under control.
The Ōfunato wildfire serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate variability and underscores the importance of preparedness in mitigating the impacts of natural disasters.
