Japan Faces Largest Wildfire in Over Three Decades, Thousands Displaced

A devastating wildfire in Iwate Prefecture has consumed over 1,800 hectares, causing widespread evacuations and one confirmed fatality.

The wildfire in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, has burned approximately 1,800 hectares, making it Japan's largest wildfire since 1992.
At least one person has died, and over 3,600 residents have been evacuated from the affected areas to shelters or other safe locations.
More than 1,700 firefighters and 17 helicopters have been deployed to battle the fire, which remains uncontained as of Sunday morning.
The blaze has destroyed over 80 buildings, disrupted train services, and caused power outages affecting hundreds of households.
Unusually dry conditions, including record-low February rainfall, and strong winds have exacerbated the fire's spread, with the cause still under investigation.