Japan brings huge wildfire under control, says mayor
Last updated: March 10, 2025 | 10:36
People watch a wildfire site in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan. File/Reuters
A Ground Self-Defense Force helicopter returning after dropping water on a nearby wildfire near the city of Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture. Nearly 1,700 firefighters are battling Japan's biggest forest fire in three decades, officials said on March 3, as some 4,600 residents remain under an evacuation advisory. (Photo by Handout / Japan's Ministry of Defense / AFP) / -----EDITORS NOTE --- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / Japan's Ministry of Defense" - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
Japan’s worst wildfire in more than half a century, which killed at least one person, has been brought under control, the mayor of the northern city of Ofunato said on Sunday.
The fire had raged in the mountains around the rural region since Feb.26, killing at least one person, damaging at least 210 buildings and forcing more than 4,200 residents to flee their homes, local officials said.
“Following an aerial survey, we assessed that the fire no longer posed the risk of further spread. I declare that the fire is now under control,” Ofunato Mayor Kiyoshi Fuchigami told a news conference.
The fire engulfed about 2,900 hectares -- around half the size of Manhattan -- making it Japan’s largest in more than 50 years.
It surpassed the 2,700 hectares burnt by a 1975 fire on Hokkaido island.
People watch a wildfire which approaches a village from the fishing port of Ofunato city in Iwate prefecture. AFP
Japan endured its hottest summer on record last year as climate change pushes up temperatures worldwide.
Ofunato received just 2.5 millimetres of rainfall in February, breaking the previous record low for the month of 4.4 millimetres in 1967 and far below the average of 41 millimetres.
At least 78 buildings are believed to have been damaged, although details are still being assessed, according to the fire agency.
The number of wildfires in Japan has declined since a peak in the 1970s.
Wildfires in Japan tend to occur between February and May, when the air dries out and winds pick up.
However, there were about 1,300 in 2023, concentrated in the period from February to April.
A rain, which began falling on Wednesday following a record dry period, had helped firefighting efforts.
“Thanks in part to the rain, the situation has subsided to an extent,” Ofunato Mayor Kiyoshi Fuchigami told a regular briefing.
“We realise many residents are aching to return home,” he said.
Greg Mullins, a former fire and rescue commissioner for the Australian state of New South Wales, said this fire as well as the recent ones in Los Angeles were “highly unusual” because they took place in the cooler winter months.
