Tokyo: A wildfire in Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan remains largely uncontained, with the burned area expanding to nearly 1,200 hectares as of 6 a.m. local time Friday, local media reported. Since breaking out on Wednesday in a mountainous area of Otsuchi Town, the fire has destroyed eight buildings, including houses, according to Kyodo News.
Mass evacuations as helicopters battle expanding blaze
Quake alert issued as wildfire response continues
Furthermore, following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck off northeastern Japan on Monday, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a special weeklong quake alert for 182 municipalities across seven prefectures, including Iwate. Authorities have warned that vigilance is required for earthquake risks while responding to the fire.
Forests with a lot of resin make wildfires spread quickly
Another key reason is Japan’s geography and vegetation. A large portion of the country is covered in forests, many of which consist of coniferous trees like cedar and pine. These trees contain resins that burn easily, making them more susceptible to catching and sustaining fires. Dense forest coverage also means that once a fire begins, it can move rapidly through continuous vegetation.
Human activity plays a significant role as well. Because much of Japan’s population lives close to forested areas, the interface between human settlements and nature increases the likelihood of fires starting.