Japan Battles Worst Forest Fire in 50 Years, Causing Evacuations and One Death
In Ofunato, Japan, firefighters are battling the worst forest fire in 50 years, which has taken one life, forced the evacuation of nearly 4,000 residents, and consumed over 2,600 hectares. Severe drought conditions and climate change are worsening the situation, complicating firefighting efforts as concerns grow over damage to local infrastructure and businesses.
hassan benyoub 
Ofunato, Japan, March 4, 2025 – Firefighters in Japan are struggling to contain the country’s most devastating forest fire in half a century, which has claimed one life, forced nearly 4,000 residents to evacuate, and scorched over 2,600 hectares as of Tuesday evening. The blaze, raging since Wednesday in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, remains uncontrolled despite the efforts of over 2,000 firefighters and military helicopters, raising concerns amid a record dry spell and climate-driven heat.
Uncontained Blaze Threatens Region
A spokesperson for Ofunato told reporters, “There’s no indication the fire is under control,” as aerial footage from NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, showed thick white smoke billowing from forested areas near the city. The fire, which started on February 26, has spread across an area more than seven times the size of New York’s Central Park, according to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
Over 2,000 firefighters, including units from Tokyo and other regions, are deployed on the ground and in the air, battling flames in Iwate—a region still recovering from the 2011 tsunami. Military helicopters continue water drops, but a forecasted mix of snow and rain overnight may complicate operations, with the spokesperson warning, “Bad weather could ground the helicopters.”
Climate Crisis Amplifies Risk
The fire’s severity stems from Japan’s driest winter in decades, with Ofunato recording just 2.5 mm of rain in February—below the historical average of 41 mm and the lowest since 1967. This follows 2024’s record-breaking heat, the hottest year on record, as climate change drives global temperature spikes and extreme weather. Forest fires, typically peaking from February to April due to dry air and winds, have reemerged as a major threat, with about 1,300 reported in 2023 nationwide.
This is Japan’s largest wildfire since 1975, when 2,700 hectares burned in Kushiro, Hokkaido. Posts on X from March 2025 highlight concern, with users like @JapanWeatherWatch noting, “Climate change is making Japan’s fire season more dangerous” ([X posts, March 3, 2025]).
Human and Economic Toll
The fire has killed one person, damaged over 84 homes, and prompted evacuation orders for 4,600 residents, with 3,939 complying, per Ofunato officials. Local businesses face disruption: Taiheiyo Cement suspended operations at its Ofunato plant due to its location in the evacuation zone, while Saitoseika Confectionery warned of potential production halts if its facilities become restricted areas.
In a show of solidarity, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki, a native of Ofunato, donated ¥10 million (approximately €64,000) to the city, as announced on X by Ofunato’s municipality ([X post, March 4, 2025]).
What’s Next?
With no rain in sight and winds complicating efforts, the fire’s spread remains a risk. Snow and rain could help, but poor visibility might hinder aerial firefighting. Authorities are bracing for a prolonged battle, drawing on lessons from past disasters like the 2011 tsunami.
