IWATE - The forest wildfire in Otsuchi entered its seventh day on April 28, with firefighting operations continuing as additional rainfall was forecast, raising hopes that wetter conditions could help slow the blaze.
The fire, which broke out on April 22 at two locations in the town, remains uncontained despite around-the-clock suppression efforts. Officials said smoke rising from the mountains appeared lighter on the morning of April 28 than the previous day, suggesting some improvement.
The total burned area expanded further to 1,633 hectares, up from 1,618 hectares reported a day earlier.
Firefighters said white smoke had been confirmed overnight at two locations, and helicopters were being deployed again on April 28 to conduct aerial water drops.
Rain fell across the town on April 27, bringing 1.5 millimeters of precipitation — the first rainfall since the wildfire began. By the afternoon of April 28, steadier rain had begun falling across the town. However, authorities said there was still no clear prospect for full containment, as shifting winds could reignite hotspots.
Town officials said the fire was now “under control,” but added that evacuation orders would not be lifted until the blaze is formally declared fully contained.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Otsuchi is expected to receive around 15 millimeters of rain from the evening of April 28 through the night, with unsettled conditions likely to continue until before noon on April 29. Officials hope the added moisture will aid ground and aerial firefighting efforts.
Near the heavily damaged mountain area close to Otsuchi High School and Otsuchi Gakuen, scorched brown hillsides remain visible beside the temporarily closed campuses. White smoke could still be seen rising from the middle of the slope, although in smaller amounts than earlier in the day.
Strong winds were also reported at times, carrying the smell of burning several kilometers away and underscoring the continued risk of flare-ups.
A helicopter from the Tokyo Fire Department joined operations on April 28, with continuous daytime aerial firefighting underway.
The wildfire is already considered the second-largest forest fire in Japan since the start of the Heisei era, following the 2025 blaze in Ofunato. Around 1,500 personnel remain mobilized as authorities continue efforts to bring the fire under control.
The Japanese government also announced plans to designate the wildfire as a localized severe disaster. If approved, the national government would cover half of the costs for restoring damaged forest areas.
Source: TBS
