On Sunday, February 21, a hiker reported a fire near a well-known hiking area in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture. Four days later, the forest fires have burned over 76 hectares of land and continue to spread across the Ashikaga area. Over 200 homes have been issued an evacuation notice, while the Ground Self Defense Force and local firefighters have been using helicopters to put out the fires.
According to the prefectural government, while no fatalities have been reported, a shrine located within the affected mountain has burned down. As the fire continues, many elderly who evacuated to nearby community centers are fearful of losing their homes.
One local 90-year-old man interviewed by NHK said that he was “able to rest and feel safe after staying overnight at the community center,” but still wishes to return home. “I’m worried, but there is nothing I can do but pray that the fires will go out soon.” In some residential neighborhoods, the fires have come as close as 50 meters away.
The ongoing pandemic has also added another layer of complication. As many of the displaced elderly are now staying in communal areas, they are more susceptible to COVID-19.
What Causes Forest Fires in Japan?
Forest fires, while rarer than in other countries, nonetheless are a yearly occurrence in Japan. Click To TweetOnce a forest fire begins to spread, it can be incredibly difficult to put out, especially in rougher mountain terrain. When asked about the situation, the mayor of Ashikaga City Izumi Satoshi said that “dry, heavy winds have made it difficult to predict how much longer the fires will continue.”
Forest fires, while rarer than in other countries, nonetheless are a yearly occurrence in Japan. Over 70% of yearly forest fires happen in the months leading from winter to spring when snow thaws and the dead foliage underneath begin to dry up. Dry winds from the Japan Sea have been causing a dry weather alert for the past nine consecutive days. Such conditions make the perfect recipe for a forest fire.
The spokesperson for the Forestry Agency mentioned that timing is also a key factor. The faster they are able to get to the initial fire, the easier it is to handle.
Unfortunately, in this case, strong winds and lack of access to water caused the fires to spread rapidly. Embers left beneath the ground can also prolong the situation and even start new forest fires, requiring added diligence. Judging by past cases, this means the fires could continue for as long as 2 to 3 weeks.
