Japan struggles to contain wildfires
Department of Research, Studies and International News 26-03-2025
Wildfires are still spreading across western Japan, with blazes continuing to expand in Ehime and Okayama prefectures. Meanwhile, a new wildfire broke out in Miyazaki Prefecture on Tuesday. Fire authorities have not yet determined the causes of these fires.
One of the fires, which began on Sunday in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, has already scorched 306 hectares. Multiple homes in the city have sustained damage. To combat the flames from above, Japan Self-Defense Forces have deployed helicopters.
Authorities in Imabari have issued evacuation orders affecting nearly 6,000 residents. As of 9:00 am on Wednesday, seven evacuation centers were sheltering 158 people, Japan’s public broadcaster NHK reported.
Another wildfire continues to burn after breaking out on Sunday in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders for affected areas.
The fire started in Minami Ward of Okayama and has scorched at least 311 hectares, spreading into neighboring Tamano City. Six structures, including homes, have been damaged, NHK reported.
On Tuesday night, officials in Okayama and Tamano urged residents to evacuate as ground crews worked through the night to contain the flames. However, the fire remains uncontrolled.
Firefighting from the air resumed at around 6:30 am on Wednesday, with helicopters once again deployed to battle the blaze.
Meanwhile, a new wildfire erupted in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, shortly before noon on Tuesday. Four helicopters were deployed to help contain the blaze. However, firefighters were unable to bring it under control, and containment efforts were suspended at sunset. Crews resumed their efforts on Wednesday morning.
City officials issued an evacuation order for 70 households in the surrounding area. So far, there have been no reports of injuries or damage to structures, NHK reported.
The causes of the wildfires raging across western Japan remain unclear at this point, according to fire authorities. However, such blazes are common at this time of year. In 2023, Japan recorded 1,299 wildfires, with more than half occurring between February and April, following a consistent annual pattern, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
More than 30 percent of these fires were linked to people burning crops or grass in their fields and yards. Open-field burning accounted for 247 cases, while 98 were attributed to arson or suspected arson. Discarded cigarettes caused 49 fires, while improperly disposed matches and lighters were responsible for 32.
Agency officials urged the public to avoid making fires near dry grass or other flammable materials and to properly dispose of cigarettes to prevent further incidents.
