Inferno in Ofunato: Japan’s worst wildfire in decades forces thousands to evacuate

A massive wildfire has devastated Ofunato in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture, damaging over 80 buildings and forcing mass evacuations. Military helicopters have been deployed to combat the raging flames, as thick smoke engulfs the mountainous region.

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Officials confirmed that this is Japan’s most severe wildfire since 1992, surpassing the Kushiro blaze in Hokkaido. The disaster has tripled in size within hours, consuming vast forested areas as authorities scramble to assess the full extent of the damage.

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Ofunato’s mayor called the wildfire "large-scale," describing the destruction of land equivalent to three times the size of Monaco. The cause remains unknown, but strong winds have helped multiple smaller fires merge into a single devastating inferno.

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Around 1,700 firefighters from across Japan have been deployed to tackle the wildfire, which has already scorched 1,800 hectares. Helicopters have been dousing flames from above as emergency teams struggle to contain the fast-moving disaster.

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Nearly 2,000 residents have fled their homes, with many seeking shelter with friends and family, while over 1,200 have taken refuge in emergency facilities. Officials warn that high winds continue to fuel the blaze, increasing the risk to nearby communities.

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At least one person has died, with police discovering a burned body in the affected area. Evacuees share their fear and shock, with many witnessing wildfires of this scale for the first time in their lives.

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Authorities continue their efforts to bring the fire under control, warning that strong winds could spread the flames further. As Japan faces its peak wildfire season, experts stress the urgent need for stronger fire prevention measures.

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