One dead, over 80 buildings destroyed as wildfire engulfs Ofunato city in Iwate Prefecture, Japan

Firefighters are battling a large forest fire that broke out in the Akasakicho area, in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, on February 26. This marks the third wildfire in the city this month, destroying at least 84 buildings and forcing the evacuation of more than 2 100 residents.

Authorities are investigating the discovery of a burned body in the Koji district of Sanrikucho, Ofunato.

The fire erupted at around 13:00 LT (04:00 UTC) on February 26 in the mountainous Goashi region of Akasakicho, quickly spreading across multiple districts. It had affected 600 ha (1 482 acres) by the evening of February 26, with emergency teams deployed to contain the blaze.

Evacuation orders were issued to 2 114 residents from 873 households in the Attari and Ryori districts. As of 07:00 LT (22:00 UTC) on February 27, seven evacuation centers housed 540 people, while others sought refuge in private homes or vehicles.

The fire caused extensive damage to infrastructure, leading to power outages affecting approximately 490 households in Sanriku Town and 20 in Akasaki Town.

Transportation was also disrupted, with the Sanriku Railway Rias Line suspending service between Sakari Station and Sanriku Station. Road closures included the Ofunato-Ryori-Sanriku Line, cutting off key routes for residents and emergency responders.

Local authorities escalated the disaster response, establishing a headquarters at 15:50 LT (06:50 UTC) on February 26. The Disaster Relief Law was applied the same day at 19:00 LT (10:00 UTC).

Strong winds reaching 65 km/h (40 mph) hindered aerial firefighting efforts on February 26, but improved conditions the following morning allowed helicopters to resume water drops.

The Iwate Prefectural Fire Department and Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) coordinated ground and aerial firefighting operations, deploying aircraft from multiple prefectures, including Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukushima, and Tochigi.

A man watching the fire from a vantage point near Ryori Bay described the flames approaching within 50 m (164 feet) of his home. “I can see the fire from under the smoke,” he said.

An 80-year-old resident who fled to a beach and spent the night in his car expressed concern, “I was surprised it burned so much. It happened so quickly. I’m worried about my friends.”

Health and safety measures were provided at evacuation centers, with public health nurses conducting health checks and distributing cardboard beds. Additional relief efforts included the provision of 12 000 bottles of water, 755 cardboard beds, 200 partitions, and 2 100 servings of emergency rice.

Ofunato experienced strong winds, making early containment efforts difficult. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that a dry weather warning had been in effect since February 18, contributing to rapid fire spread.

This wildfire follows two previous fires in Ofunato this month. The first, which started on February 19 in the Ryori district, burned 324 ha (800 acres) before being extinguished on February 25. A second fire ignited on February 25, spreading into neighboring Rikuzentakata City before being brought under control the following day. The latest fire has overlapped some areas previously affected by the initial blaze.

As of February 27, ground and aerial firefighting operations continue. Multiple helicopters, including those from the JSDF and prefectural disaster response teams, are conducting water drops. Authorities are assessing further damage and coordinating relief efforts to support displaced residents. Investigations into the cause of the fires and the fatality in the Koji district remain ongoing.

References:

¹ Disaster response status update history – Iwate Disaster Prevention Information Portal – February 27, 2025

² Third wildfire spreads in Iwate Prefecture city; homes destroyed – The Asahi Shimbun – February 27, 2025