On March 9, 2025, several incidents during controlled burning operations across the Aso area resulted in both community participation and tragic outcomes. Starting with the Tateno Plateau, the annual controlled burning, known locally as noyage, took place at 'Bisei-zan', drawing around 70 participants. This ritual aims to manage pests and encourage new growth after the dry winter, requiring volunteers, local residents, and fire brigade members to assist. During the event, participants carefully monitored wind direction as flames spread across approximately 23 hectares of land.
One volunteer from Kagoshima Prefecture, a man in his 60s, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I was invited by friends from college and it was my first time experiencing this. It was very dynamic!" His excitement echoes the sentiments of many who see this event as both a culture and necessity.
On the same day, tragedy struck during another controlled burning operation. A man in his 50s suffered severe burns during activities near 'Oyufune Onsen' within Ubugayama Village, shortly before 2 PM. He was conscious when emergency personnel transported him to the hospital. The incident highlights the inherent risks associated with controlled burns, even as they serve important ecological functions.
While much of the Aso area was engaged with these traditional practices, reports also surfaced of individual tragedies related to grassland fires. Not long after the controlled burns commenced, another fire was reported at around 2 PM near municipal fields in Yamato Town, where grass caught fire swiftly. Responders contained the flames, but to their dismay, they found the charred remains of an unidentified individual at the scene.
The body was discovered among the scorched earth of approximately 3000 square meters. Local law enforcement noted the challenge of confirming the identity of the deceased, as they were unable to reach any nearby residents to inquire about missing persons. This incident raises questions about safety protocols during such community events and the vulnerability of individuals within these areas.
These simultaneous occurrences of controlled burns and the associated risks reiterate the dual nature of such community practices - promoting new growth and addressing pest issues but also posing significant hazards to participants. Public safety officials emphasized the importance of following procedures and staying vigilant during these seasonal rites.
According to local authorities and participating residents, the tradition of controlled burning helps maintain the ecosystem, but it also requires strict regulations to minimize risks. “A unified approach is necessary; we all must work together to prevent incidents like the one on March 9,” said one local fire brigade member.
The occurrence of these events, from the controlled burns at Tateno Plateau to the severe injuries and fatalities reported, forms part of the broader narrative concerning public safety amid cultural practices. Local leaders are called to reassess the safety standards surrounding these communal events as the region prepares for next year's harvest and new growth, emphasizing safety and community response as central themes moving forward.