Japan wildfires force evacuations, threaten thousands of acres

In the western prefectures of Japan, Ehime and Okayama, wildfires are spiraling out of control. According to the Anadolu Ajanci, the fires have already consumed over 1,500 acres of forest, and more than 8,000 residents have been evacuated. Helicopters from the Japan Self-Defense Forces have been dispatched to combat the blaze.

The largest fire, which broke out on March 23 in the Okayama prefecture, has spread across 1,050 acres, making it the largest disaster of its kind in the region's history. The firefighting effort involves 11 helicopters and 67 fire trucks. The fire has destroyed at least six residential buildings and warehouses, but fortunately, no casualties have been reported among residents.

In the Ehime prefecture, specifically in the Imabari area, the fire has already consumed 756 acres of forest and several buildings. The evacuation order affects nearly 6,000 people, 158 of whom have moved to evacuation centers. Additionally, a new fire broke out on Tuesday in the Miyazaki prefecture, spreading across 124 acres. Seventy households have been evacuated, and further evacuations may be necessary.

Another fire broke out on Tuesday near the city of Miyazaki, spreading across approximately 124 acres. Current weather conditions are not aiding the fight against the fires. Japan is experiencing a dry spell, and strong winds are facilitating the spread of flames to other areas, complicating firefighting efforts.

NHK highlights that forest fires are common in Japan at this time of year, frequently resulting from bonfires where cut vegetation from gardens and farmland is burned.

The current fires have occurred less than a month after the largest disaster in three decades in the Iwate prefecture, where approximately 7,400 acres of forest burned.