Firefighters in Japan are battling the country’s largest wildfire in half a century, which has claimed one life and forced nearly 4,000 residents to evacuate. The blaze, which began five days ago near the northern city of Ofunato after record-low rainfall, has already consumed around 2,600 hectares (6,400 acres), according to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
Aerial footage showed thick white smoke rising from the forested area as military and fire department helicopters attempted to douse the flames. However, officials warn that the fire is not yet under control.
An estimated 80 buildings have been damaged, though assessments are ongoing. Approximately 2,000 firefighters, including reinforcements from across the country, are battling the blaze on the ground and from the air.
Authorities issued an evacuation advisory for 4,600 residents, with 3,939 already seeking shelter. The region, still recovering from the devastating 2011 tsunami, has been hit by exceptionally dry conditions. February rainfall in Ofunato was just 2.5 millimeters—significantly below the 41-millimeter average—making it the driest February on record.
Snow and rain are forecast overnight, but officials remain uncertain whether the weather will help extinguish the fire, as poor conditions may hinder aerial firefighting efforts.
The wildfire has also impacted local businesses, including Taiheiyo Cement, which suspended operations at its Ofunato plant, and confectionery company Saitoseika, which warned of possible production halts.
Amid the crisis, Japanese baseball star Roki Sasaki, who recently signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, donated 10 million yen ($67,000) and 500 bedding sets to support affected residents. Sasaki, a former Ofunato high school student, lost his father and grandparents in the 2011 tsunami.