In Japan’s Iwate prefecture, a forest fire has led to an evacuation warning for 2,114 people. It was reported that some houses were damaged in the fire and efforts to combat the flames are ongoing.

The forest fire that started today in the city of Ofunato in Japan’s Iwate prefecture caused panic in the region.

According to information from local authorities, some houses in rural areas were damaged as the flames spread over a wide area. It was noted that numerous fire brigade teams sent to the region are continuing to fight the flames, and an evacuation warning has been issued to at least 2,114 people living in 873 households due to the increased risk of further spread of the fire. Initial reports indicated that there were no casualties due to the fire. NEGATIVELY AFFECTED LIFE The fire also negatively affected life in the region. Tohoku Electric Power Distribution Company announced that there were power outages in over 200 households in the towns connected to Ofunato city. Additionally, two schools in the region will temporarily suspend classes tomorrow as a precautionary measure. As Iwate Prefecture set up a crisis management center for firefighting, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned that dry weather conditions are prevailing in the region with strong winds expected today. Since February 19, forest fires in different parts of Iwate Prefecture have already destroyed at least 320 hectares of forest land. It was announced that the fires were completely extinguished as of yesterday.