Ofunato Forest Fire: Devastating Dryness and Strong Winds Unique to Sanriku

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As of March 1, firefighting efforts continue in the forests of Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, in northeastern Japan. This follows a third wildfire confirmed on February 26. It also comes just after another fire, which began on February 19, was finally brought under control on the 25th. On the same day, a forest fire also broke out in neighboring Rikuzentakata.

Strong winds and dry conditions, typical of the Sanriku coast, fueled the flames, causing them to spread to the tree canopies. This type of fire, known as a crown fire, has resulted in a large-scale disaster.

*The Ofunato forest fire in Iwate Prefecture continues to spread across the mountainside. 8:42 PM on February 26.*

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the forest fire that began on February 26 in Ofunato had burned about 1400 hectares (around 3460 acres) of land as of March 1. On the same day, the city issued evacuation orders to an additional 141 households, bringing the total number of people affected to 4,596 people in 1,896 households. More than 1,000 people have fled to evacuation centers. At least 84 homes and buildings were burned.

*A forest fire near Ayari Elementary School in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, around 3 PM on February 26. (©Ofunato City)*

Exponential Growth in Fire Risk

The Forestry Agency reports that the average annual area affected by forest fires nationwide from 2018 to 2022 was about 657 hectares. This means the damage in Ofunato caused by the latest wildfire, has more than doubled Japan's yearly average in just four days.

Yoshiya Toge, an associate professor at Kyoto University's Disaster Prevention Research Institute, analyzed the situation. He noted, "Since December last year [2024], total rainfall has been significantly lower than average."

*Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture forest fire at 5:45 PM on February 26.*

Toge investigated the 2017 forest fire in Iwate Prefecture's Kamaishi City, which burned about 400 hectares. He drew comparisons between the two incidents. "The maximum instantaneous wind speed on the day of the fire was 25.9 meters per second in Kamaishi and 18.1 meters per second in Ofunato," he explained.

"It's possible that the blaze escalated from a surface fire, burning fallen leaves on the forest floor, to a crown fire, spreading flames to the treetops," Toge added.

*A helicopter fights the forest fire at Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, at 9:07 AM on February 27.*

Looking Toward Recovery

He also warned that the dry weather and strong winds are not limited to the Sanriku region. "These conditions affect broader areas across the Tohoku region. Since most forest fires are caused by human activity, it is crucial to handle fire with care," he said.

The recovery efforts following the 2017 Kamaishi forest fire took about five years to complete, including reforestation. It is estimated that the new trees will take 40 to 50 years to mature for logging. Land restoration efforts were also carried out to prevent soil and charred trees from washing down from the mountains into the sea and impacting marine life. [UPDATED March 1]