A significant mountain fire has erupted in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, on February 28, 2025, prompting immediate firefighting efforts. The fire, which ignited shortly after noon, is believed to have begun when residents attempted to burn dried grass, and it quickly spread to nearby forested areas.
At around 12:15 PM, local residents alerted the Ueda Fire Department after noticing flames consuming the mountainside. The reports suggest the fire was fueled by the dry conditions prevalent for over ten days prior, as the area has been under continuous dry weather warnings.
Authorities confirmed the involvement of one individual, a 70-year-old man who was trying to extinguish the fire before it got out of control. Unfortunately, he sustained burns to his hands and face during the incident and was transported via emergency helicopter to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, no other injuries have been reported, and as of now, damage to surrounding properties appears minimal.
The Ueda Fire Department is actively engaged in extinguishing the blaze. Fire trucks from the area, along with aerial firefighting support requested from Toyama Prefecture, are being deployed to combat the flames from above. Local officials have stated, “The situation is under control, and the fire department is actively working to extinguish the flames.”
Witnesses from the neighbourhood reported how quickly the fire spread. One local resident remarked, “I saw the flames and called for help immediately; the fire was spreading quickly.” This alarming account highlights the urgent nature of the situation and the community's responsiveness to the danger.
Currently, firefighters are focused on containing the fire to prevent it from reaching more densely populated areas nearby. The area's topography presents some challenges, but efforts are being made to establish containment lines and direct access for fire units.
Nagano Prefecture has faced challenges with wildfires periodically, especially during dry spells, and officials are urging the public to exercise extreme caution with fire use during these conditions. The prolonged dry weather prompted authorities to issue warnings and reminders about the risks associated with outdoor burning.
By late afternoon, firefighting operations were still underway, with the fire reported to still be active. Firefighters remain hopeful about containing the fire before it poses significant risks to nearby homes. There has been no evacuation order issued, but residents are monitoring the situation closely and are advised to prepare for potential changes should conditions worsen.
This mountain fire incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with dry weather and irresponsible outdoor burning. Local fire authorities are advising residents to refrain from any open flames or burning debris until the weather conditions improve significantly.
The Ueda City community, reflecting their resilient spirit, is banding together to support the firefighting efforts. Local businesses are reportedly providing meals and refreshments for the firefighters engaged on the front lines. It's acts like these—a collective response to adversity—that reinforce the strong ties within the community.
With the fire still burning and firefighting efforts continuing vigorously, local officials and residents remain hopeful for rain to alleviate the dry conditions. Until then, vigilance will be key, as fire safety becomes everyone's responsibility.
The community is encouraged to stay informed through local news and official channels about the status of the wildfire and any safety recommendations. For the time being, as firefighting efforts proceed, everyone is reminded of the need to respect fire restrictions during dry spells to prevent future incidents.
Overall, as of 2:30 PM today, firefighting operations remain active. A combined effort from the community and local authorities exemplifies the cooperative spirit of Ueda as they work together to conquer the challenges posed by this unfortunate but not uncommon wildfire incident.