The largest forest fire in Japan in recent decades has been brought under control

The largest forest fire in recent decades, which broke out in the city of Ofunato in Iwate Prefecture, was brought under control 12 days after it occurred. There is no threat to further spread of the fire. This was announced on March 9 at a press conference by the mayor of Ofunato, Kiyoshi Futigami.

"It was a large—scale fire that none of us had ever encountered before, but thanks to the joint efforts of firefighters and the rain, the fire was brought under control, and there is no longer any danger of the fire spreading," NHK quoted him as saying.

It is expected that the evacuation orders in force in the districts will be lifted by noon on March 10.

In the future, the city will continue to work on the complete elimination of the fire and preventive measures, the message says. Futigami is also coordinating with the prefecture to provide temporary housing for those whose homes have been damaged.

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On February 26, three fires were recorded in Iwate Prefecture in the Akasaki-te-Gozoku area of the city of Ofunato, in the Koji and Takhama areas of the city of Ayasato and in the city of Sanriku. As a result of the fire, more than 600 hectares burned out, damage was recorded in 84 houses. More than 2 thousand people received recommendations for evacuation.

NHK reported on March 4 that the forest fire area had increased to 2.6 thousand hectares. Many people were involved in extinguishing the fire, as well as special equipment, including helicopters of the Japan Self-Defense Forces.