TOKYO, February 28, 2025 – A forest fire in Ofunato, a city located in northeast Japan, has continued to spread uncontrollably on Friday, two days after it ignited. The blaze has scorched approximately 1,200 hectares of land, destroyed 84 homes, and resulted in one fatality, according to reports from local media.
Authorities fear that the death toll may increase, as assessing the full extent of the damage remains difficult while efforts are primarily focused on controlling and extinguishing the fire. Approximately 2,500 firefighters are engaged in the operation, with over 1,600 personnel deployed from outside the affected prefecture, as reported by the public broadcaster NHK.
The fire erupted around 1:00 PM local time on Wednesday (04:00 GMT), reportedly starting in a storage shed before spreading to a wooded area where dry weather conditions facilitated its rapid expansion.
As of today, at least 16 helicopters, including seven from the Self-Defense Forces, have been involved in firefighting efforts, spraying water and monitoring the situation, according to the same sources.
At least one person has lost their life, and authorities have issued evacuation orders for approximately 3,300 residents in the affected areas, where damage to 84 homes and other buildings has been confirmed thus far.
