Otsuchi on Edge as Wildfires Close In, Thousands Evacuated
Otsuchi on Edge as Wildfires Close In, Thousands Evacuated
Two forest fires in Iwate Prefecture push toward homes near Otsuchi, forcing around 3,000 residents to evacuate as firefighters battle the blaze with air and ground support.
Two forest fires in Iwate Prefecture have forced about 3,000 residents to evacuate as flames push toward homes in Otsuchi. Authorities say the blazes have scorched more than 730 hectares since breaking out on Wednesday, spurring one of the region's most serious mountain-fire incidents in decades. The fires, a mountainous blaze first and a second roughly 10 kilometers away near residential neighborhoods, have raged for a fourth day with firefighters on the ground and in the air.
More than 1,300 firefighters, along with troops from the Japan Self-Defense Forces, have been mobilized to battle the fires. Helicopters are dropping water over affected areas and forests near communities at risk. The smoke has been visible from the town, and residents report the smell reaching up to 30 kilometers away. Eight buildings, including one residence, have been destroyed so far, and officials say there have been no reported casualties.
Experts point to seasonal dry weather and layers of dried leaves on forest floors as triggers for wildfires in the region. The latest tallies put the area burned around 1,373 hectares (3,393 acres) as of early Sunday, marking a rise from the previous day. Residents have expressed cautious hope for rain to help slow the flames, while frontline crews continue to work with air and ground support to protect communities near the Pacific coast.
