Ofunato’s Wildfires | Image credit: eri, Dr.Eng./X
Japan is facing its largest wildfires in over thirty years. Thousands of people have been displaced as more than 1,700 firefighters work tirelessly to combat the relentless fires ravaging the small coastal city of Ofunato. The flames have consumed approximately 1,800 hectares, with the burned area increasing by an additional 400 hectares. The intense fires that broke out on February 26, 2025, have made it unsafe to travel around this coast. Given the ongoing calamity Japan is facing, travel to the northeastern region is advised to be postponed.
The forest of Ofunato is the most affected by Japan’s wildfires, making it the largest area to have been burnt since the 1992 wildfire in Kushiro, Hokkaido.
Travel advisory: Northeastern Japan deals with wildfires in Ofunato
The wildfire in the northern Japanese prefecture of Iwate forced the evacuation of more than 1,000 people and killed at least one person, authorities say. https://t.co/9H7HewONMr pic.twitter.com/0UaoBRq4kF
— DW News (@dwnews) March 1, 2025
Over 4,000 people had to seek safe shelter due to the wildfire in Ofunato, which caused damage to over 80 buildings. Power outages are affecting both Ofunato and the nearby village of Sanriku. Schools have been closed, and local train services in the region have been suspended to ensure public safety.
The cause of the wildfire remains unknown, but extremely dry conditions and strong winds are fuelling its spread. These factors have hindered fire management efforts, with ground and aerial forces working tirelessly to contain the blaze.
Ofunato is a port city in Iwate Prefecture along the Sanriku Coast, known for its deep natural harbour. The city in Japan was significantly affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami but has since undergone extensive rebuilding thanks to strong community efforts.
(Feature image credit: eri, Dr.Eng./X)
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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read Moreat Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. As a former Food Writer at NDTV, she can help you find the best places to eat in Delhi! Read Less
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