Japan is battling a massive forest fire
Casey Horner, Unsplash
Japan's largest forest fire in 50 years has broken out, engulfing 2,600 hectares of forest near the northern city of Ofunato. The disaster has already claimed one life, damaged about 80 buildings and forced local authorities to evacuate nearly 4,000 people. The fire started five days ago and its spread has been accelerated by a record drought, with the area receiving just 2.5 mm of rainfall in February, the lowest since 1967.
Firefighting units from across Japan - about 2,000 people, including crews from Tokyo - are fighting the fire both from the air and on the ground. Helicopters from the army and fire services are dropping water, but there are no signs yet that the situation is under control. Moreover, expected snowfall and rain could complicate aerial operations.
The fire was the largest since 1975, when 2,700 hectares burned in the Kushiro region of Hokkaido Island. It broke out amid extreme heat and drought, which is attributed to the effects of climate change. In recent years, Japan has been recording abnormal weather phenomena: in 2023, the country experienced the hottest summer in the history of observations.
The number of forest fires in Japan has declined since the 1970s, but there were about 1,300 cases in 2023. They are most common between February and April, when the air is particularly dry and the wind favours the spread of fire.
The fire has also affected the region's economy, with the Taiheiyo Cement factory suspending operations as its area was placed in an evacuation zone. The Saitoseika candy factory, based in Ofunato, also warned of a possible shutdown.
Amid the fires, the region has received support from the famous Japanese baseball player Roki Sasaki, who recently signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He donated 10 million yen ($67,000) and sent 500 sets of bedding to help the victims. Sasaki himself grew up in the area and lost his family in the devastating 2011 tsunami.
Despite the active work of the rescue services, the fire continues to spread. Authorities and meteorologists are monitoring weather conditions: precipitation could either help fight the fire or complicate the extinguishing operation. Evacuated residents have not yet been able to return home and the extent of the damage has yet to be assessed.
