Wildfires have erupted in Okayama and Ehime Prefectures in western Japan, leading to evacuation orders for approximately 900 residents. The fire in Okayama City has burned over 100 hectares while another fire has ignited in Imabari. Firefighting efforts are ongoing, with some expressway sections closed and train services suspended due to the proximity to the blazes. A notable similar incident occurred in February, impacting Ofunato City significantly.
Recent wildfires have emerged in the mountainous regions of Okayama and Ehime Prefectures in western Japan, prompting evacuation directives for residents. In Okayama Prefecture’s Minami Ward, a forest fire ignited Sunday afternoon, currently continuing in the northern area of the Kojima Peninsula, where residential homes and factories are located. As of Monday midnight, the blaze has consumed over 100 hectares, necessitating the efforts of firefighters to quell the flames.
The local government has issued evacuation orders for approximately 900 residents, as the fire threatens proximity to populated areas at the mountain’s base. Concurrently, in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, another forest fire has ignited, with firefighting teams deploying fire engines and helicopters to manage the situation. Residents living close to the fire have been urged to evacuate immediately to ensure their safety.
In response to the fire, certain sections of an expressway have been closed, and the Shikoku Railway Company has suspended some operations on the Yosan Line. This alarming event recalls a significant wildfire incident in February in Ofunato City, which devastated about 3,000 hectares, accounting for 9 percent of the city’s total area.
The wildfires in Okayama and Ehime Prefectures highlight the ongoing threat posed by forest fires in Japan, necessitating evacuation measures for affected residents. The firefighting efforts underscore the urgency of addressing these environmental hazards, particularly in light of the extensive damage observed in previous incidents, such as the Ofunato wildfire. Public safety remains a priority as local authorities manage these critical situations.
Original Source: www3.nhk.or.jp
