Japan is currently grappling with its most significant wildfire in more than three decades as a massive blaze ravages the forested areas of Ofunato, a coastal city on the country’s main island. The wildfire, which has been burning for several days, has already claimed one life, forced thousands of residents to evacuate, and destroyed dozens of homes.
The fire has consumed around 1,800 hectares (4,500 acres) of land, with authorities confirming an additional 400 hectares have been engulfed since Saturday. The blaze continues to spread rapidly, overwhelming firefighting efforts as crews struggle to contain the destructive flames.
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According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the fire was first reported on Wednesday. By nightfall, at least 84 homes had been damaged, and authorities discovered a man’s body while inspecting the area. The identity of the deceased has not yet been disclosed.
As of Sunday, evacuation orders were issued for approximately 4,600 people, with 1,200 sheltering in emergency accommodations. Firefighting efforts have intensified, with 1,700 firefighters from 14 different prefectures working on the ground. Helicopters are also being used, as aerial footage shows smoke billowing from the fire while firefighting aircraft circle overhead.
This is Japan’s largest forest fire since the 1992 Hokkaido blaze, which destroyed more than 1,000 hectares. The current fire has been exacerbated by unusually dry weather, as February 2025 has been the driest in over two decades.
As firefighting efforts continue, the region remains on high alert, and authorities are calling for vigilance as dry conditions persist, further increasing the risk of wildfires.
