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Story summary
- The two forest fires in Iwate have burned about 700 hectares, making them the third-largest wildfire area in Japan’s history.
- More than 1,000 firefighters, a dozen helicopters and Self-Defense Forces troops were deployed Saturday to fight the blazes.
- Authorities ordered 1,541 households, or 3,233 people, to evacuate as flames threatened Otsuchi.
- Scientists say dry winters linked to climate change are creating conditions for larger wildfires in Japan.
