Japanese firefighters are struggling to control a week-long wildfire in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, marking the nation's worst forest fire in half a century. The blaze has consumed 2,900 hectares (7,166 acres), forcing nearly 4,000 residents to evacuate. One death has been reported.
Over 2,000 firefighters are using helicopters and hoses to combat the flames, which are difficult to access due to the hilly terrain. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. In February, Ofunato experienced significantly below-average rainfall, with only 2.5mm recorded, 6% of the long-term average.