Strong winds, intensifying since Wednesday morning, are fueling uncontrolled wildfires in two western prefectures of Japan, local media reported. So far, the fires have consumed approximately 600 hectares of forest, prompting evacuation orders for over 8,000 people. Helicopters from the Japan Self-Defense Forces have been deployed to combat the blaze.
The Largest Wildfires in the Region’s History
The most critical situation is in the prefectures of Ehime and Okayama, where fires continue to spread despite intense firefighting efforts. Additionally, a new fire broke out on Tuesday in Miyazaki Prefecture.
The largest wildfire, which started on March 23 in Okayama, has already spread across 423 hectares, making it the worst disaster of its kind in the prefecture’s history, according to NHK. The firefighting operation involves 11 helicopters, including those from the Self-Defense Forces, and 67 fire trucks. The flames have destroyed at least six residential buildings and warehouses, though no casualties have been reported. Authorities have ordered the evacuation of more than 2,000 people in the area.
In Ehime Prefecture, near Imabari, the fire has already consumed 306 hectares of forest along with several buildings. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for nearly 6,000 people, with 158 taking refuge in seven evacuation centers.
Another wildfire broke out on Tuesday near the city of Miyazaki, spreading across approximately 50 hectares. NHK reports that due to ongoing drought and strong winds, extinguishing the fire remains a distant prospect. Seventy households have been evacuated.
A Recurring Threat
NHK highlights that wildfires are common across Japan at this time of year, with the primary cause being controlled burns used to clear cut vegetation from gardens and farmland.
As Kyodo News reminds, these fires erupted less than a month after Japan experienced its largest wildfire disaster in over three decades. In late February, a blaze in Iwate Prefecture near the city of Ofunato burned approximately 3,000 hectares of forest over 12 days.