Evacuation orders lifted as Ofunato fire weakens, Japan
Evacuation orders were lifted for some parts of Ofunato city on March 7, 2025, as Japan’s largest fire in 50 years weakened following rains on March 5.
Image credit: China Daily
The massive forest fire that broke out in Ofunato City on February 26 has now scorched over 2 900 ha (7 166 acres), accounting for about 9% of the city’s land area. One fatality has been reported, though details about the victim’s identity have not been made public.
The fire started at around 13:00 local time (LT) on February 26 in the Aza-Ashidachi area of Ofunato City and spread rapidly due to dry conditions in the region.
By March 7, it became Japan’s most severe wildfire since 1975, when a blaze on Hokkaido Island consumed 2 700 ha (6 672 acres). The Ofunato fire has since surpassed that, burning approximately 2 900 ha (7 166 acres) but rainfall through March 5 has helped weaken the blaze, making it easier to contain.
Evacuation orders were lifted for some areas at around 10:00 LT on March 7, marking the first time such measures were eased since the fire broke out on February 26. A total of 957 residents from 415 households in six areas of the Akasakicho district were allowed to return home.
As of 16:00 LT on March 5, the blaze had destroyed at least 78 structures. Firefighting efforts involved 550 teams from 15 prefectures, with a total of 2 040 personnel engaged in the response.
Chiba Yoshimatsu, a 73-year-old resident who lives with four family members, returned to his home for the first time in six days. He expressed relief that his house remained undamaged but lamented that many others were still in shelters or had lost their homes.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for parts of the Akasakicho and Sanrikucho districts. A total of 3 639 residents from 1 481 households, representing 11% of the city’s population, are still in evacuation facilities.
City officials stated that while no new fire outbreaks have been confirmed, it is unclear whether the flames have been fully extinguished. Efforts continue to eliminate remaining heat sources beneath fallen trees and in the soil.
Officials told reporters on Friday morning that they will consider lifting the remaining evacuation orders based on fire conditions and assessments of vital infrastructure.
References:
1 岩手県大船渡市の林野火災による被害及び 消防機関等の対応状況（第２０報）- FDMA – March 7, 2025
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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