Japan hit by largest wildfire in over 30 years
A massive forest fire has burned approximately 1 400 ha (3 460 acres) in Akasaki Town, Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, since it broke out on February 26, 2025. This is now the largest wildfire in modern Japan history, surpassing the previous record of 1 030 ha (2 545 acres) set in Kushiro, Hokkaido, in 1992.
Emergency firefighting support teams on February 28, 2025. Image credit: FDMA
A forest fire in Akasaki Town, Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, has claimed at least one life, damaged more than 80 buildings and burned approximately 1 400 ha (3 460 acres) in just 4 days, surpassing the previous record of 1 030 ha (2 545 acres) set in Kushiro, Hokkaido, in 1992. This makes it the largest wildfire in Japan since the Heisei era (1989–2019), according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA).
Evacuation orders remain in effect for 1 896 households, affecting 4 596 residents across 17 districts in Ofunato City, up from 1 340 households (3 306 residents) on February 26. Emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate displaced residents, with authorities distributing essential supplies, including water, food, blankets, and medical aid.
Approximately 690 households in Sanriku Town and 30 in Akasaki Town remain without power, while water supply disruptions continue for over 800 households.
Sanriku Railway Rias Line services between Sakari Station and Sanriku Station are suspended, with replacement bus services in operation. Road closures continue on the Ofunato-Ryori-Sanriku Line because of fire risks.
More than 1 600 personnel from 12 prefectures are engaged in firefighting operations as authorities work to contain the flames and mitigate further destruction.
As of March 1, 25 firefighting teams with 73 personnel remain active, supported by a disaster prevention helicopter conducting aerial reconnaissance and suppression efforts. The Emergency Firefighting Assistance Teams (EFAT) have mobilized 445 teams with 1 673 personnel across affected areas.
Efforts to support displaced residents have included large-scale relief distributions. On February 26, authorities distributed 12 000 bottles of water, 755 cardboard beds, and 2 100 meal packs. Additional relief supplies, including 1 570 blankets and supplementary water, were provided on February 27, with further orders placed for winter clothing, food, and medical aid on February 28.
Dry weather conditions and strong winds continue to hinder containment efforts. Wind speeds have increased to 9 m/s (20 mph), and humidity levels remain at 50%, creating further challenges. In addition, an avalanche warning is in effect for coastal areas due to unstable terrain conditions.
The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.
References:
1 Damage caused by forest fire – FDMA – February 28, 2025
2 Firefighters from eastern Japan tackling Ofunato forest fire – The Asahi Shimbun – February 28, 2025
3 Japan battles biggest wildfire in decades – Japan Times – March 1, 2025
Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.
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