A massive forest fire has engulfed parts of Ofunato, a northeastern coastal city in Japan, damaging dozens of homes and forcing thousands to evacuate. The fire, which began last Wednesday, has now spread across approximately 2,600 hectares (6,400 acres) of forest, making it Japan’s largest wildfire since 1975, when 2,700 hectares burned in Kushiro, Hokkaido.

Authorities have issued evacuation advisories to around 4,600 people, with nearly 3,939 already seeking shelter. The fire has damaged at least 84 homes, and many more buildings are at risk as firefighters continue efforts to contain the blaze.

A man was found dead on a road on Thursday, and authorities are investigating whether his death was linked to the fire.

What efforts are being made to control the fire?
More than 2,000 firefighters and troops have been deployed from across Japan, including Tokyo, to combat the blaze. Military and fire department helicopters are dropping water, but strong winds and dry conditions are making it difficult to contain the fire.

While snow is expected overnight, followed by rain, officials are uncertain if this will help extinguish the flames. A city official warned that bad weather might prevent helicopters from carrying out water-dropping operations.

What are the causes of the fire?
The fire started following record-low rainfall in the region. Ofunato recorded just 2.5 millimetres (0.1 inches) of rain in February, far below the usual average of 41 millimetres and breaking the previous record low of 4.4 millimetres in 1967. Since Friday, the city has received little to no rainfall.

Additionally, this winter has been the driest in the region since 1946, when the Japan Meteorological Agency began collecting data. Experts say extreme weather events, including droughts and wildfires, can result from complex factors, including climate change.

How are businesses affected?
Several companies have been impacted by the wildfire. Taiheiyo Cement has suspended operations at its Ofunato plant for several days as part of the facility is in the evacuation zone. Confectionery company Saitoseika has also expressed concern, stating that if its headquarters or plants become inaccessible, production may be halted.

How has the community responded?
Japanese baseball star Roki Sasaki, who recently joined the Los Angeles Dodgers, has donated 10 million yen ($67,000) and 500 sets of bedding to support evacuees. Sasaki, who attended high school in Ofunato, lost his father and grandparents in the devastating 2011 tsunami that struck the region.

Are wildfires common in Japan?
Although the number of wildfires in Japan has decreased since the 1970s, the country still recorded around 1,300 in 2023, with most occurring between February and April when dry conditions and strong winds increase fire risks.

The situation in Ofunato remains critical, with no clear indication that the fire is under control. Authorities continue their efforts to contain the blaze and prevent further destruction.

With AFP, AP inputs