Story perspectives

Iwate's Third-Largest Wildfire Forces 3,200 Evacuations

4/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

The combined wildfires have scorched 1,373 hectares, making them the third-largest blaze area on record in Japan.
More than 1,000 firefighters are battling two wildfires in Iwate Prefecture, while 3,200 residents have been evacuated.
About 1,400 firefighters and 100 Self-Defense Force personnel deploy helicopters for water drops.
Evacuation orders affect 1,541 households—about one-third of Otsuchi’s residents—as dry weather and winds expand the fires with no rain forecast through Monday.

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Story summary

The combined wildfires have scorched 1,373 hectares, making them the third-largest blaze area on record in Japan.
More than 1,000 firefighters are battling two wildfires in Iwate Prefecture, while 3,200 residents have been evacuated.
About 1,400 firefighters and 100 Self-Defense Force personnel deploy helicopters for water drops.
Evacuation orders affect 1,541 households—about one-third of Otsuchi’s residents—as dry weather and winds expand the fires with no rain forecast through Monday.