Two forest fires in Iwate Prefecture entered their fourth day, pushing closer to homes in Otsuchi and triggering evacuation orders for about 1,541 households (3,233 people). More than 1,200 firefighters, helicopters and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are fighting the blazes, which have burned over 730 hectares. Eight buildings have been destroyed and no casualties reported so far; a week of dry weather ahead complicates containment efforts.
Iwate Wildfires Enter Fourth Day as Thousands Evacuate and Hundreds of Firefighters Battle Blazes
A wildfire burns near the Kirikiri district of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, on April 24, 2026, as wildfires continue, following their outbreak at two locations in northeastern Japan two days ago, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS
TOKYO, April 25 — Two forest fires in northern Japan’s Iwate Prefecture entered a fourth day on Saturday as ground crews and aerial units expanded operations to more than 1,000 personnel to try to contain the spreading blazes.
Growing Threat to Otsuchi
The fires are advancing toward residential neighborhoods in the coastal town of Otsuchi, where roughly one-third of residents—about 1,541 households, or 3,233 people—have been ordered to evacuate. One blaze ignited on Wednesday afternoon in a mountainous area, and a second started about two hours later roughly 10 km (6.2 miles) away, closer to inhabited districts.
Response and Damage
Firefighting resources have totaled 1,225 personnel, including teams dispatched from other prefectures. Helicopters from multiple prefectures and aircraft operated by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are conducting aerial water drops while ground crews work to build containment lines.
Smoke blankets mountainous areas of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, on April 24, 2026, as wildfires continue, following their outbreak at two locations in northeastern Japan two days ago, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS
So far the wildfires have scorched more than 730 hectares (about 1,800 acres). Authorities report eight buildings destroyed, including one residence, and no reported casualties to date.
Conditions and Context
The Japan Meteorological Agency says no rain is forecast over the coming week, increasing concerns about containment and the risk of further spread. Media reports describe the combined burn area as one of the largest in recent Japanese wildfire history; some outlets characterize it as the third-largest by area, behind an Ofunato fire reported at about 3,370 hectares in 2025 and the 1992 Kushiro fire (around 1,030 hectares). Official rankings have not been confirmed by national authorities.
Situation Update: Authorities continue evacuation orders and are prioritizing relief and shelter for displaced residents while firefighting efforts proceed through the weekend.
(Reporting by Mariko Katsumura; Editing by Tom Hogue)
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