Overview
- Burned area expanded from about 50 hectares in the morning to roughly 74 hectares by late afternoon on Jan. 11, driven by gusts and spot fires.
- The blaze came within approximately 30 meters of homes at one point, and the city kept evacuation orders in place for 77 households covering 145 people, with no injuries or confirmed structural damage reported.
- Helicopters from the JSDF and regional agencies conducted water drops before aerial operations were halted by late day, while ground crews continued efforts to protect neighborhoods.
- Investigators believe the ignition likely began near a trail rest area, and police and fire authorities are examining possible careless handling of fire.
- Separate mountain fires in Kanagawa and Gunma led local authorities to request JSDF disaster dispatches, increasing regional demand for aerial support.