Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Commander-in-Chief of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps, Major General Mohammad Pakpour: If the enemy makes a mistake, we will respond forcefully, just as we have over the past 12 days
Macron: Reaffirmed importance of using the path of negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities
Macron: Told 'Israel's' Netanyahu that he shares with him the objective that Iran should never have nuclear weapon
Macron: Reaffirmed to 'Israel's' Netanyahu the need for ceasefire in Gaza
Macron: Spoke to Netanyahu, highlighted mportance of respecting 'Israel'/Iran ceasefire
Iranian Health Ministry: Israeli aggression on Iran has resulted in the martyrdom of 627 people and the injury of 4,870 others across various provinces of the country
Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters mourns its commander, Ali Shadmani, who succumbed to severe wounds sustained during last week's Israeli aggression on Iran
Hamas: Any agreement must guarantee a cessation of aggression and war against our people, a permanent ceasefire, and a complete withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip
Hamas: We affirm our continued positive engagement with the mediators' efforts and with any serious ideas or proposals that could lead to a comprehensive agreement
US President Donald Trump: US will talk with Iran next week

Japan fights largest wildfire in over 30 years

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 1 Mar 2025 14:39
2 Min Read

The fire, which ignited on Wednesday, has spread across approximately 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of forest in Ofunato, located in the northern Iwate region.

Listen
  • x
  • Japan wildfire
    A helicopter is pictured as smoke rises due to a wildfire on a mountainside near the city of Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, on February 28, 2025 (JIJI PRESS/AFP)

Japan is battling its largest wildfire in over three decades, one of several blazes that have claimed one life and forced the evacuation of more than a thousand residents.  

The fire, which ignited on Wednesday, has spread across approximately 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of forest in Ofunato, located in the northern Iwate region, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.

"We're still examining the size of the affected area, but it is the biggest since the 1992 wildfire" in Kushiro, Hokkaido, an agency spokesman told AFP. That fire, previously the country's most extensive, scorched 1,030 hectares.  

In response, around 1,700 firefighters have been deployed nationwide to contain the flames, the agency confirmed.  

Aerial footage from public broadcaster NHK showed thick white smoke engulfing an entire mountain. Local authorities confirmed that police discovered the body of a burned victim on Thursday.  

Related News

Japan cancels US security talks over defense spending demands

Japan, China trade blame over near-miss incident amid PLA drills

More than 1,000 residents have been evacuated, and over 80 buildings were damaged as of Friday, according to the Ofunato municipal government. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.  

Meanwhile, two other wildfires were burning on Saturday—one in Yamanashi and another elsewhere in Iwate.  

Japan recorded approximately 1,300 wildfires in 2023, primarily between February and April, when dry air and strong winds create favorable conditions for fires. However, the overall number of wildfires has declined since their peak in the 1970s, according to government data.  

Ofunato has received just 2.5 millimeters (0.1 inches) of rainfall this month, putting it on track to fall well below the previous February record low of 4.4 millimeters, set in 1967.  

Last year was Japan's hottest since record-keeping began, in line with global trends as rising greenhouse gas emissions continue to drive climate change.

Read more: US insurers brace for billions in losses from California wildfires

  • Japan
  • wildfires

Most Read

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian attends a protest following the US attacks on nuclear sites in Iran, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP)

Iran declares victory as ceasefire forces Israeli retreat

  • Politics
  • 24 Jun 2025
Israeli workers survey the site where a missile launched from Iran struck in Haifa on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (AP)

True Promise 3, wave 20: 40 missiles launched, Kheibar-Shekan in first

  • Politics
  • 22 Jun 2025
Iran launches strikes on Israeli targets, despite alleged ceasefire

Iran victorious as ceasefire with 'Israel' takes effect

  • Politics
  • 24 Jun 2025
Iran launches missile barrage to Tel Aviv, casualties reported

True Promise 3, wave 14: Tel Aviv targeted, casualties reported

  • Politics
  • 19 Jun 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
Israeli army vehicles are seen during an invasion in the West Bank city of Jenin, Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Politics

Israeli military faces key weaponry shortages: NBC News

Rutte raises eyebrows by calling Trump 'the Daddy' at NATO summit
Politics

Rutte causes stir calling Trump 'Daddy' at NATO summit

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director General, delivers his speech after inaugurating the WHO Academy campus which promotes lifelong learning across the health sector, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 (AP)
Politics

Over 40, including children, killed in Sudan hospital attack: WHO

Trump and Hegseth cast doubt on damage to Iran’s nuclear sites
Politics

Trump, Hegseth admit inconclusivity over Iran nuclear damage

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS