Two massive wildfires in Japan’s Iwate region have forced authorities to evacuate several thousand people from their homes as flames reached residential areas on Saturday.
According to local government officials, the fire that broke out three days ago has destroyed about 700 hectares (1,730 acres) of land.
What do we know about Japanese wildfires?
- About a dozen helicopters and more than 1,300 firefighters, as well as Japan Self-Defense Force personnel, were to be deployed Saturday to battle the blaze, a statement from officials said.
- It said the fire had gutted at least eight buildings, but all residents had been evacuated.
Flames threaten Otsuchi city About a third of the city’s residents were ordered to evacuate.
As of Saturday morning, 1,541 houses and 3,233 people in the affected area were urged to evacuate.
Media have reported that the two fires have burned the third-largest area of any wildfire in Japan.
Thousands of firefighters and emergency personnel are battling the blazeImage: Hidenori Nagai/AP Photo/Picture Alliance
Climate change is creating ideal wildfire conditions
The fires come as winters in Japan become increasingly dry.
Last year, the Iwate city of Ofunato suffered Japan’s worst wildfire in more than half a century, razing 3,370 hectares of land.
Scientists have long warned that climate change caused by mankind’s activities, including the burning of fossil fuels, is making drought periods more intense and longer, which is conducive to wildfires.
Edited by: Shawn Sinico