Wildfires in Western Japan Leave Homes Damaged and Thousands Evacuated

Ongoing fires in Okayama and Imabari remain uncontained as firefighters and defense helicopters work to control the blazes.

Wildfires in Okayama and Imabari have burned hundreds of hectares of forest and damaged six homes in Okayama.
Thousands of residents have been evacuated, with two injuries reported—a firefighter in Imabari and one person in Aso.
The fire in Aso, which began Sunday, was extinguished early Monday, reportedly caused by trash burning.
Dry weather and dried-up leaves are believed to have contributed to the fires in Okayama and Imabari.
These wildfires follow recent devastating fires in Ofunato, northern Japan, highlighting a growing national challenge with wildfire risks.