Rain and Snow Bring Hope in Japan's Worst Wildfire in 50 Years

The Ofunato wildfire has burned 2,900 hectares, displaced thousands, and killed one person as firefighters work to contain the blaze.

The wildfire in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, has burned 2,900 hectares, making it Japan's largest wildfire since 1975.
Nearly 4,000 people have been evacuated, with 84 buildings damaged and one fatality reported so far.
Record-low rainfall in February and dry conditions contributed to the fire's rapid spread, but recent rain and snow offer hope for containment.
Around 2,000 firefighters from across Japan are battling the fire, with efforts complicated by steep terrain and strong winds.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki, a former resident of Ofunato, donated ¥10 million and relief supplies to support affected residents.