28.02.2025 10:00
It has been reported that one person lost their life in a forest fire in the city of Ofunato, Japan. During the fire, 1,200 hectares of forested area were destroyed, and evacuation warnings were issued to 3,306 people.
It has been confirmed that one person has lost their life in the forest fire that has been ongoing for three days in the city of Ofunato, Japan. At least 1,200 hectares of land have turned to ash, and evacuation warnings have been issued for 3,306 people. A total of 1,675 firefighters from neighboring prefectures have been sent to the region to support the efforts. The forest fire in the city of Ofunato, located in Iwate Prefecture, continues to grow on its third day. Local authorities confirmed yesterday that one person, whose lifeless body was found in the area, died due to the fire. While the fire has turned at least 1,200 hectares of forested area to ash, evacuation warnings have been issued for 3,306 people living in 1,340 households. As of today, it has been reported that 825 people have been evacuated to temporary centers. So far, 84 structures have been damaged, and it is expected that the extent of the damage will increase as damage assessment work is completed.
SUPPORT TEAMS SENT FROM NEIGHBORING PREFECTURES
The inadequacy of local fire departments in extinguishing the fire prompted the Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency to take action. A total of 1,675 firefighters from Miyagi, Yamagata, Aomori, Akita, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Niigata, Tokyo, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures have been sent to the city of Ofunato to support the efforts. In addition to the aircraft sent from neighboring prefectures, it has been reported that helicopters belonging to the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and the police have also supported the firefighting efforts.