One Dead, Thousands Evacuated as Japan Battles Largest Wildfire in Decades

A massive wildfire in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, has become Japan's largest in over three decades, claiming at least one life and forcing thousands to evacuate. As of Sunday, the fire had burned approximately 2,100 hectares, with around 3,600 residents evacuated from affected areas, including over 1,200 taken to shelters. The blaze began on Wednesday and has resulted in significant property damage, with more than 80 buildings destroyed and nearly 1,700 firefighters deployed from across the country to combat it. Aerial footage shows extensive smoke and damage in the region, prompting school closures and suspensions of local train services. Officials are concerned as strong winds and dry conditions continue to fuel the fire, despite firefighting efforts. This incident marks the most severe wildfire in Japan since the 1992 Kushiro fire, highlighting a worrying trend as wildfires have reportedly increased in frequency in recent years.