Japan deploys hundreds of firefighters to contain wildfires in the north

Sunday 26 April 2026 - 08:00

Japanese authorities have mobilized significant emergency resources to combat ongoing wildfires in the northern part of the country, as flames continue to spread for a fifth consecutive day.

Around 1,400 firefighters, supported by approximately 100 members of the Self-Defense Forces, have been deployed to tackle the blazes affecting mountainous areas near the coastal town of Otsuchi, located in Iwate Prefecture. Helicopters have been used to drop water from the air, while ground teams attempt to contain the advancing fire lines.

The burned area has expanded to more than 1,300 hectares, with dry weather and strong winds contributing to the rapid spread of the flames. Authorities warn that the situation remains critical as the fires continue to threaten residential zones.

Evacuation orders have been issued for more than 1,500 households, affecting thousands of residents—roughly a third of the town’s population. Emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate those forced to leave their homes.

Otsuchi, a coastal town still marked by the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 2011, now faces a new environmental challenge. Local officials have expressed concern over the potential damage, while residents anxiously monitor the situation.

Efforts to contain the fires are ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the importance of weather conditions in determining how quickly the situation can be brought under control.