In late February 2025, the northeastern coastal city of Ofunato in Iwate Prefecture faced a catastrophic forest fire, marking Japan's most significant wildfire in over three decades. The blaze ignited on February 26 and rapidly consumed approximately 2,100 hectares (5,190 acres) of forestland. The fire's swift progression led to the destruction of at least 84 homes, compelling over 1,200 residents to evacuate. Emergency shelters were established, and many sought refuge with friends and family in safer regions.

Tragically, authorities discovered a deceased individual on a roadway on February 27. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the death is directly linked to the wildfire. The affected region experienced its driest winter since 1946, with Ofunato receiving a mere 2.5 millimeters (0.1 inches) of rainfall in February. These arid conditions, combined with strong winds, created an environment highly susceptible to wildfires. In response to the escalating crisis, over 2,000 firefighters and Self-Defense Forces personnel were mobilized from across Japan.

Aerial firefighting units deployed helicopters to douse the flames, while ground crews established firebreaks to protect residential areas and critical infrastructure. The magnitude of this wildfire is unparalleled in recent Japanese history. The last incident of comparable scale occurred in 1992 in Kushiro, Hokkaido, where approximately 1,030 hectares were burned.

As of March 3, firefighting efforts have made significant progress. While the fire has subsided in certain areas, authorities remain vigilant, monitoring for potential flare-ups due to ongoing dry conditions. Evacuated residents have been advised to await official clearance before returning to their homes, as assessments of structural damages and safety evaluations are underway.