Japan is burning in its worst wildfires in 3 decades

Japan is battling its worst wildfires in 30 years. Officials said Monday that Japan is battling its worst wildfires in three decades. About 1,700 firefighters have been deployed to help put out the blazes. About 4,600 residents have been ordered to evacuate.

One person died in a fire in the northern Iwate region last week. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said Monday that the fire had spread to about 22,100 hectares (62,000 acres) near the town of Ofunato since Thursday.

Firefighters from 14 prefectures in Japan, including units in Tokyo, are battling the blaze. Sixteen helicopters, including the military, are trying to put out the flames.

The agency said that 84 buildings were estimated to have been damaged as of Sunday, although details were still being assessed.

According to officials, about 2,000 people have left the area to stay with friends or relatives, and more than 1,200 people have been evacuated to shelters.

Early morning footage from Ofunato, broadcast by national broadcaster NHK, showed orange flames near buildings and white smoke billowing into the air.

According to government data, the number of wildfires has declined since the 1970s. In 2023, there were about 1,300 fires across Japan, concentrated from February to April. During this time, humidity drops and strong winds blow.

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