As of March 25, 2025, a massive forest fire continues to devastate areas in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, marking one of the worst environmental disasters in the region's recent history. This fire, which began on March 23, has consumed an astounding 214 hectares and is projected to expand further, leaving both officials and residents scrambling to contain its advance.
The scale of the disaster became apparent on the morning of March 25, with flames that had once been subdued reigniting and spreading closer to residential zones. Reports from early morning showed fierce flames billowing towards houses near the JR Iyo-Sakurai Station, prompting immediate actions from local firefighters and emergency services.
According to the latest updates from the Imabari City government, the fire is unprecedented in its severity, surpassing the 1993 forest fire that destroyed 145.2 hectares in the former Tsuchikure Town. "This is the worst forest fire we have seen since the beginning of the Heisei era," stated a local official. As of March 25, around 5:30 AM, emergency responders reported seeing intense flames leaping from the forest, generating a plume of smoke visible from miles away. These conditions have raised significant concerns about the fire's proximity to populated areas.
Evacuation orders have been issued for a total of 3,765 households and 7,342 individuals across various districts. Areas affected include the Nakazawacho region, Asakura Kita district, and the Midorigaoka housing complex. On March 25, by 4:40 PM, local officials noted that not only residential buildings but also several abandoned structures were being engulfed by flames. "These areas are critical, and we are working hard to prevent further spread to inhabited districts," emphasized the city’s fire chief.
The situation is further complicated by significant power outages — approximately 16,000 homes were reported without electricity around 12:30 PM due to interruptions in power supply to avoid exacerbating the firefighting efforts. The Shikoku Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Company indicated that operations had been altered significantly to protect assets and ensure safety on the ground.
Flights of emergency helicopters remain active, with around 1300 personnel deployed on the ground providing fire rescue services. "We have helicopters focusing on key areas where the fire is most intense," said Mayor Tokunaga during a press briefing. Meanwhile, police officials are directing traffic and ensuring that evacuations are orderly.
Grassroots responses from community members have also been notable. Volunteers are mobilizing to prepare meals for evacuees, focusing on warm, nourishing options using local produce. "We expect 80 to 100 people at our meal service at the Asakura Community Center,” shared one of the volunteers, aiming to create a supportive atmosphere for those displaced.
Moreover, the ever-looming threat of the fire has led to cancellations of tourist bookings around the area — including five accommodation reservations and several banquet events. As a local hospitality manager reported, "We had several cancellations yesterday; emergency services are prioritizing safety over business operations during this crisis."
As the fire continues to burn, residents have teamed up to protect their homes, showcasing the community’s resilience. The urgency of the situation prompted one elderly care facility, the 'Toujuso', to evacuate 50 residents to a nearby center without waiting for official orders, illustrating the proactive measures some institutions are taking to safeguard the vulnerable population. "We cannot wait for the alarm; the health of our residents is our top priority," noted the deputy director.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued dry weather warnings due to significant drops in humidity, which dipped below 25% at noon on March 25. Forecasts for strong winds and dry conditions are predicted to persist through March 26, exacerbating the fire risks. Mayor Tokunaga expressed his concerns after observing maximum wind gusts of 14.5 meters per second, "The winds are carrying embers dangerously close to homes. We are responding with all we have to mitigate the impacts."
As the day unfolds, it is evident that many locals could potentially face disruptions well beyond the fire's immediate scope, including the risk of extensive power outages due to the fire’s encroachment on vital power lines. The situation remains dynamic, with emergency services committed to their firefighting efforts while ensuring the safety of local residents. With determination and community spirit, Imabari City seeks to navigate through one of its gravest natural calamities in recent history.
