In recent days, a serious forest fire has broken out in Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture, Japan. The fire, which started from two separate points on Wednesday (April 22), has spread extensively. As of this morning (April 24), it has already consumed approximately 1176 hectares of forest land and seven buildings, prompting the closure of all elementary and middle schools in the town. With the fire spreading towards the town center, the local government has issued evacuation orders to over 2500 residents.
According to reports from Japanese media, Otsuchi Town experienced two massive wildfires on Wednesday. The first fire broke out at around 2 p.m. in the Kozuchi area, about 8 kilometers northwest of the town center. By evening, the Kirikiri area, only about 2 kilometers east of the town center, was also engulfed in flames, creating a perilous situation with multiple points of combustion.
During a press conference at the Otsuchi Town Office on Thursday, authorities confirmed that the rapid spread of the fire was exacerbated by strong winds and drought conditions. The Kirikiri area was particularly hard hit, with the fire line coming within about 100 meters of the nearest residences.
Faced with the uncontrollable blaze, authorities initiated comprehensive ground firefighting operations early Thursday morning. Three helicopters from Iwate Prefecture and the Self-Defense Forces were deployed to conduct water bombing, with an additional five aircraft dispatched from Akita and Aomori Prefectures along with the Self-Defense Forces. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications also urgently mobilized 442 members of the “Emergency Firefighting Assistance Team” from eight prefectures including Hokkaido and Aomori to provide on-site support.
As the fire continues to spread towards the town center, the Otsuchi Town government expanded the evacuation orders on Thursday, calling for the evacuation of 1229 households comprising 2588 individuals from four areas, approximately a quarter of the town’s population.
As of early this morning (April 24), a total of 127 households with 329 individuals have sought refuge in four evacuation centers within the town. Apart from a woman in her sixties who sustained injuries after falling during evacuation, there have been no reports of major casualties. However, seven buildings, including a residential property, have been destroyed by the fire.
Firefighters have been working tirelessly throughout the night in residential areas to extinguish the flames, with helicopters resuming water bombing operations this morning.
Local fire department officials have highlighted the immense challenges faced in firefighting due to the complex mountainous terrain and unpredictable wind patterns in the area. Additionally, with Hokkaido and the Sanriku offshore area still under a high risk of aftershocks from recent strong earthquakes, meteorological authorities have reminded residents to remain vigilant against potential seismic risks while dealing with the ongoing wildfire.