February 27, Ofunato, Iwate, Japan: A massive wildfire that broke out in the Akasaki area of Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, on Wednesday afternoon has continued to rage, consuming over 600 hectares of forest and damaging more than 80 homes and buildings. The blaze, now in its second day, has forced the evacuation of over 500 residents and caused widespread power outages in the region, which is still recovering from the devastation of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.
The fire began at approximately 1 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting the Iwate Prefectural government to request assistance from the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) under the Disaster Relief Law. Despite efforts to contain the flames, strong winds on Wednesday prevented aerial firefighting operations. However, by Thursday morning, GSDF helicopters and aircraft from neighboring prefectures, including Miyagi and Fukushima, joined the battle, dumping water on the fire from above while local fire brigades worked on the ground.
As of 7 a.m. on Thursday, evacuation advisories had been issued to 2,114 residents across 873 households. Seven evacuation centers were set up in Ofunato, sheltering 540 people. The fire has also caused power outages in approximately 500 buildings, further complicating relief efforts.
Area Still Recovering from 2011 Tsunami
The Akasaki area, now engulfed in flames, was one of the regions hardest hit by the 2011 tsunami. Many of the buildings damaged or destroyed in the wildfire were reconstructed after the disaster, adding to the emotional and economic toll on the community. Local authorities are assessing the extent of the damage, but fears remain that the fire may have wiped out structures that symbolized the area’s recovery.
This is not the first wildfire to strike the region recently. On February 19, another forest fire broke out in Ofunato, burning 324 hectares before being extinguished on Tuesday. Shortly after, a separate wildfire ignited in Ofunato and neighboring Rikuzentakata, consuming eight hectares before being brought under control on Wednesday. The recurrence of such incidents has raised concerns about the region’s vulnerability to wildfires, particularly during dry and windy conditions.
Ongoing Firefighting Efforts
Firefighting operations resumed early Thursday, with GSDF helicopters beginning water-dropping missions at around 6:30 a.m. Aircraft from multiple prefectures have been deployed to assist, while ground crews continue to spray water to contain the blaze. Despite the intensity of the fire, there have been no reports of injuries so far. However, prefectural police are conducting checks to ensure no one has been left behind in the affected areas.
The wildfire has highlighted the challenges faced by communities in disaster-prone regions, where natural calamities often compound existing vulnerabilities. As the people of Ofunato once again confront the aftermath of a devastating event, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of residents and preventing further damage.
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders as firefighting efforts continue. The coming days will be critical in determining the full impact of the wildfire and the steps needed to support the community in its recovery.
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