Japan wildfires prompt mass evacuations amid strong winds

In the western prefectures of Ehime and Okayama, wildfires are getting out of control. According to the Anadolu Ajanci, the fire has already consumed over 600 hectares of forests, and more than 8,000 residents have been evacuated. Helicopters from the Japan Self-Defense Forces have been dispatched to combat the fire.

The largest fire, which broke out on 23 March in Okayama Prefecture, has spread across 425 hectares, making it the largest disaster of its kind in the region's history. The firefighting operation involves 11 helicopters and 67 fire engines. The fire has destroyed at least six residential buildings and warehouses, but no casualties have been reported among residents.

In Ehime Prefecture, in the Imabari area, the fire has already consumed 306 hectares of forests and several buildings. The evacuation order has affected nearly 6,000 people, of whom 158 have moved to evacuation centres. Additionally, a new fire broke out on Tuesday in Miyazaki Prefecture, spreading across 50 hectares. Seventy households were evacuated. Further evacuations may be necessary.

Another fire broke out on Tuesday near the city of Miyazaki, spreading across approximately 50 hectares. The current weather conditions are not aiding efforts to combat the fires. Japan is experiencing a dry spell, and strong winds are facilitating the spread of fire to other areas, complicating firefighting efforts.

NHK emphasizes that forest fires are common in Japan at this time of year. They most often occur as a result of bonfires where cut vegetation from gardens and farmland is burned.

The current fires have appeared less than a month after the largest disaster in three decades in Iwate Prefecture, where approximately 3,000 hectares of forests burned.