TOKYO – Japan is facing its worst wildfire in half a century, with firefighters battling intense flames that have already claimed one life and forced nearly 4,000 residents to evacuate. The blaze, which broke out five days ago after record-low rainfall, has engulfed around 2,600 hectares (6,400 acres) of land, surpassing the size of New York’s Central Park.
Aerial footage shows white smoke billowing from a forested area around the northern city of Ofunato, with military and fire department helicopters deployed to help control the fire. Despite efforts, local officials have stated that there is no indication the fire is under control.
The wildfire is being fueled by Japan’s hottest summer on record last year and follows an ongoing trend of rising global temperatures linked to climate change. The fire has already damaged at least 80 buildings, though assessments are still ongoing.
As of Tuesday, 2,000 firefighters, many deployed from other parts of Japan, are working both on the ground and in the air to combat the blaze in the Iwate region, which was devastated by a deadly tsunami in 2011. However, snow is expected overnight, changing to rain, and officials remain uncertain if this will help extinguish the fire, warning that poor weather could hinder helicopter operations.
An evacuation advisory has been issued to approximately 4,600 residents, with nearly 4,000 people already seeking shelter. The region has seen little to no rainfall since Friday, with a record low of just 2.5 millimeters in February, significantly below the usual average of 41 millimeters.
The wildfire has disrupted local businesses, with companies like Taiheiyo Cement halting operations at their Ofunato plant due to its location in the evacuation zone. Confectionery company Saitoseika has also warned of potential production halts if their facilities are affected.
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In a show of support, Japanese baseball star Roki Sasaki, who recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, has donated 10 million yen ($67,000) and 500 sets of bedding to aid those affected. Sasaki, who lost his father and grandparents in the 2011 tsunami, is a native of Ofunato.
The wildfire continues to wreak havoc in the region, highlighting the growing impact of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
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