Thousands evacuated as Japan’s biggest fire in decades continues to burn

Japan has deployed more than 2000 firefighters to fight the country’s largest fire in the country for three decades.

At least one person has died in the fire, which lit more than 5,200 acres around the northern Japanese city of Offunato since Thursday, according to the Fire and Disaster Agency (FDMA).

Although January to March is usually a more dry season in UNATO, the region witnessed less rains last month than any February more than 20 years ago – where it recorded only 2.5 mm, compared to the usual average of 41.

About 4,600 people remain under evacuation orders issued by the government while continuing to burn the fire.

Officials said about 2000 had already left the area to stay with friends or relatives, and more than 1,200 were evacuated to the shelters.

Fires are burning in the IWate Governorate Forests, which is the second largest governorate in Japan and has the second population density in the country.

It is estimated that more than 80 buildings have been damaged so far, although FDMA has noticed that the details are still evaluated.

“Although it is imperative that the fire will spread to some extent, we will take all possible measures to ensure that there is no effect on people’s homes,” Prime Minister Shigro Eshiba said in Parliament.

Thousands of firefighters were sent from 14 governors, including Tokyo, to fight fires. At least 16 helicopters are also used, with images showing pictures of water on the amazing hills.

Like many other countries, Japan has recorded in 2024 the hottest year since the start of the records.

It is difficult to know if climate change has caused specific fires, because other factors – such as changes that occur in the way the Earth is used – is also related.

but, IPCC says Climate change makes the weather conditions needed for forest fires to deploy more likely.

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