To combat the largest forest fire in the nation's history, Japan has sent out over 2,000 firefighters. The fire, which has burned more than 5,200 acres surrounding the city of Ofunato in northern Japan since Thursday, has claimed at least one life, confirmed to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA).
Even though Ofunato usually experiences its driest season from January to March, the region received fewer inches of rain last month than it had in over two decades, with only 2.5 millimeters falling on average against the typical figure of 41.
The government has issued evacuation orders for almost 4,600 people, and the fire is still burning. To combat the fires, countless firemen from 14 prefectures—including Tokyo—have been sent in. Images reveal that no less than 16 chopper are also being utilized, spraying water over the smoldering slopes.