In light of a spreading wildfire in Iwate Prefecture, Japan’s disaster management agency has requested more firefighters from nationwide departments, with about 1,700 already responding. The fire has burned nearly 1,800 hectares, necessitating evacuation orders for 4,600 residents. Aerial support is assisting ground efforts to prevent the fire from reaching populated areas.
Japan’s disaster management agency has called for heightened assistance from fire departments nationwide in response to a persistent forest fire in the northeastern Iwate Prefecture. This fire has rapidly escalated over the past five days, resulting in significant destruction and prompting urgent action from authorities.
Currently, approximately 1,700 firefighters from around 450 departments have mobilized to combat the blaze in Ofunato. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency continues to seek additional support, specifically requesting that the governments of Hokkaido and Yokohama city send firefighters to assist in managing the critical situation.
Firefighters have utilized aerial support, including helicopters from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, effectively preventing the fire from advancing into residential neighborhoods along the Pacific coast. However, as of Sunday, nearly 1,800 hectares have been consumed by the flames, marking an alarming increase of 400 hectares since the prior day.
Evacuation orders have been issued for around 4,600 residents in the affected area. As of Sunday morning, more than 1,200 individuals are taking shelter in designated facilities, underscoring the severity of the crisis and the community’s need for safety measures.
The ongoing wildfire situation in northeastern Japan highlights the urgent need for additional firefighting resources as the blaze threatens residential areas. The collaborative efforts of various fire departments and military support are crucial to containing the fire, which has already inflicted significant damage. Evacuation orders and shelter provisions reflect the serious nature of the emergency and the challenges faced by affected residents.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
