Forest Fire in Ofunato, Iwate: Residents Return Home as Evacuation Orders Lifted
Residents in Ofunato, Iwate, returned home after the partial lifting of evacuation orders due to a forest fire. Initial evacuations affected 415 households, and additional orders were lifted for 141 households in the Sanriku area. The fire, which burned 2,900 hectares, is under control as officials assess further evacuation measures.
Residents in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, felt relief on Saturday after they returned home following the partial lifting of evacuation orders caused by a forest fire. On Friday, evacuation orders were lifted for six districts in Akasaki Town, impacting 415 households and 957 individuals, about 20% of those originally evacuated, after authorities assessed that the fire was no longer a threat in those areas.
One resident, a 78-year-old man, expressed joy at returning home, saying, “There’s nothing like the comfort of being at home.” His wife, aged 74, while doing laundry, voiced concern for those still unable to return, stating, “I hope those in the remaining evacuation areas can return home soon.”
At 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, evacuation orders were also partially lifted for an additional 141 households in three districts of the Sanriku area, affecting 333 residents. However, 1,340 households, totaling 3,306 residents, remain under evacuation as city officials continue to monitor fire suppression efforts before making further changes to evacuation status.
As of 6 a.m. Saturday, the forest fire had consumed approximately 2,900 hectares, with no expansion noted since Wednesday, according to the prefectural government.
The situation in Ofunato has improved, allowing some residents to safely return home after evacuation orders were partially lifted. While some areas remain under caution, the authorities continue to assess fire conditions and hope to lift more orders as fire suppression efforts progress. Community sentiments are towards hope for those still displaced.
Original Source: japannews.yomiuri.co.jp
