Sat Mar 01 16:11:57 UTC 2025: ## Japan Battles Largest Wildfire in Over 30 Years
**Tokyo, March 1, 2025** – A devastating wildfire raging in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, has become the country’s largest in over three decades, forcing the evacuation of over 1,000 people and claiming one life. The blaze, which began on Wednesday, has scorched an estimated 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of forest, surpassing the previous record set in 1992.
Authorities are mobilizing approximately 1,700 firefighters from across Japan to combat the blaze. Aerial footage shows substantial smoke billowing from the affected mountain. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
In addition to the Ofunato fire, two other wildfires are currently burning in Yamanashi and another location in Iwate Prefecture. The Ofunato area has experienced exceptionally dry conditions, with only 2.5 millimeters of rainfall this month – significantly lower than previous records. This, coupled with last year being Japan’s hottest on record, raises concerns about the impact of climate change.
While the number of wildfires in Japan has decreased since the 1970s, the current situation highlights the ongoing threat, particularly during the dry months of February to April. Over 80 buildings have been damaged, and the death toll currently stands at one. The ongoing firefighting efforts are focused on containment and preventing further damage.
First Piper 