Japan battles largest wildfire in 50 years amid low rainfall

Firefighters in Japan are struggling to contain the country’s worst wildfire in decades, which has burned around 2,600 hectares near Ofunato, Iwate, forcing nearly 4,000 residents to evacuate, news reports said today. The blaze, which began five days ago after record-low rainfall, follows Japan’s hottest summer on record.

Authorities have deployed 2,000 firefighters, including reinforcements from Tokyo, along with military and fire department helicopters. While officials say the fire is unlikely to reach Ofunato’s densely populated areas, efforts to control it continue.

The region had just 2.5mm of rainfall in February, far below its average of 41mm. Rain or snow is expected on Wednesday, which could aid containment efforts. Local businesses, including Taiheiyo Cement and confectionery company Saitoseika, have suspended operations due to the fire.