Residents in Ofunato, Iwate, are returning home as evacuation orders are partially lifted after a forest fire. On Friday, six districts were cleared for 415 households, followed by additional lifts for 141 households on Saturday. The covered burned area has stabilized at approximately 2,900 hectares, indicating progress toward managing the fire’s impact.
Residents of Ofunato, Iwate, expressed relief on Saturday after returning home for the first time following the partial lifting of evacuation orders related to a forest fire. Last Friday, the city lifted evacuation orders for six districts in Akasaki Town, affecting approximately 415 households and 957 individuals, which represented roughly 20% of those who were initially evacuated. This decision was made after authorities determined there was no ongoing risk of fire spreading in the area.
One returning resident, a 78-year-old man, highlighted the comfort of being at home, stating, “There’s nothing like the comfort of being at home.” His wife, who is 74, expressed her concerns for those still displaced, saying, “I hope those in the remaining evacuation areas can return home soon.”
On Saturday at 1:00 p.m., evacuation orders were further lifted for 141 households comprising 333 residents in three districts of the Sanriku area. The city continues to monitor fire suppression efforts for the remaining 1,340 households, totaling 3,306 residents, and will assess the situation for potential further lifting of evacuation orders in due course.
As reported by the prefectural government, the burned area from the fire now covers approximately 2,900 hectares and has not expanded since Wednesday, indicating progress in containment efforts.
The recent lifting of evacuation orders in Ofunato provides residents with a measure of relief as they return home after a period of displacement due to the forest fire. With 415 households allowed to resettle and ongoing monitoring for further evacuations, the community is showing signs of recovery while remaining cautious about fire safety. Efforts to contain the fire have been effective, stabilizing the situation in the region.
Original Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
