OKAYAMA/IMABARI, Japan – Intense firefighting operations continued Monday as wildfires swept through Okayama and Ehime prefectures in western Japan, forcing the evacuation of over 3,000 residents. The blazes, which erupted on Sunday afternoon, have consumed hundreds of hectares of land and disrupted local communities.   

In Okayama Prefecture, the fires have ravaged approximately 250 hectares across the cities of Okayama and Tamano. Several vacant houses and warehouses have been affected by the flames. Meanwhile, in Ehime Prefecture, the wildfire in Imabari has engulfed over 140 hectares, causing significant traffic disruptions.   

To combat the spreading fires, the Ground Self-Defense Force deployed 14 helicopters to conduct aerial water spraying and provide other crucial disaster relief. This deployment followed requests from both Okayama and Ehime prefectural governments. Firefighters have been working tirelessly throughout the night to bring the fires under control.   

The firefighting efforts also necessitated temporary power cuts to some households in Ehime Prefecture, ensuring the safety of personnel on the ground.

These recent wildfires follow a massive blaze in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, in northeastern Japan, which lasted for 12 days in late February. That fire consumed approximately 3,000 hectares before it was finally contained. Authorities are now focusing on controlling the current fires and providing support to affected residents in the western prefectures. 

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