Multiple wildfires have broken out in Ofunato City and surrounding areas in Iwate Prefecture since last week, rapidly spreading and causing extensive damage. As of today (Feb. 27), at least 84 buildings have been destroyed, forcing over 2,000 residents to evacuate their homes.
The fires began on the afternoon of Feb. 26 in the Akasaki district of Ofunato, where flames spread from a warehouse into nearby forests and quickly engulfed surrounding areas. Aerial footage shows intense orange flames consuming trees and buildings, with thick smoke blanketing the area. Simultaneously, new fires erupted in the Sanriku district of Ofunato.
Local police confirmed that 10 homes in Sanriku and Akasaki had been destroyed, with efforts underway to assess potential casualties. According to Kyodo News, as of 5 p.m. on Feb. 26, the wildfires had burned through approximately 637 hectares of land. The Iwate Prefectural Government has requested assistance from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force to combat the fires.
To add to the challenges, the fires caused power outages for approximately 400 households in Akasaki and Sanriku, according to Tohoku Electric Power Company. The Ofunato City government has suspended classes at a middle school in Akasaki and an elementary school in Sanriku as a precautionary measure.
The spread of the fires has been exacerbated by high winds. On Feb. 26, Iwate Prefecture issued a strong wind warning, with Ofunato City recording maximum wind speeds of 18.1 meters per second around 1:30 p.m.
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