What area has been affected by the wildfires in Japan?

As of Sunday morning, the fires have consumed 1,373 hectares (3,393 acres) and continue to threaten the coastal town of Otsuchi.

Are residents being evacuated due to the Japanese wildfires?

Yes, evacuation orders are in place for 1,541 households, affecting 3,233 residents, which is approximately one-third of Otsuchi's population.

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Japan Fights 5-Day Wildfire Near Historic Town

Q: How many personnel are fighting the wildfires in Japan?

Japan has deployed 1,400 firefighters and 100 Self-Defense Force personnel to battle the mountain wildfires.

26 Apr

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Summary

1,400 firefighters and 100 SDF personnel are battling wildfires.
Fires have consumed 1,373 hectares, threatening Otsuchi town.
Evacuation orders affect 3,233 residents, a third of the town.

Japan Fights 5-Day Wildfire Near Historic Town

Japan is currently deploying 1,400 firefighters and 100 Self-Defense Force personnel to combat significant mountain wildfires in its northern region. These fires have been burning for five consecutive days as of Sunday, April 26, 2026, and are critically threatening the historic coastal town of Otsuchi.

The affected area has expanded to 1,373 hectares (3,393 acres), showing a 7% increase by Sunday morning. The fires pose a direct risk to residential areas in Otsuchi, a town that previously suffered immense loss during the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Currently, 1,541 households, totaling 3,233 residents, are under evacuation orders, representing about a third of Otsuchi's population.