On March 10, 2025, the city of Ofunato, located in Iwate Prefecture, announced the lifting of all evacuation orders following the recent forest fire, which had devastating effects on the region. After nearly two weeks of being under evacuation, residents from various districts were finally able to return home, though the aftermath of the disaster left many facing significant losses.
The forest fire, which started on February 26, quickly escalated, consuming 9% of the city9s area and resulting in extensive property damage. Reports indicate at least 210 buildings were impacted, including 102 residences, with 76 completely destroyed. Local authorities stated the difficult fire suppression efforts were aided by favorable weather changes, including some rain.
According to Iwate Governor Takuya Tasso, the response involved firefighters and disaster prevention personnel from across the country, which he credited for the fire's eventual suppression. 9I am deeply grateful for their efforts,9 stated Tasso during his remarks at the local disaster response headquarters.
Residents started returning to their homes on March 10, with the evacuation orders officially lifted at 10:10 AM. Some areas, such as the Akasaki-cho districts and Sanriku-cho Nariai, had reported significant losses. Among those affected was Yu Shibuya, whose home was completely destroyed; he returned to find his rebuilt house burnt down. Despite his loss, Shibuya expressed determination to rebuild and stay connected to his community.
Nevertheless, many returnees discovered their homes uninhabitable. Stories emerged of emotional devastation as residents surveyed the ruins of their lives. Tsuyoshi Higashikawa, 50, visited the charred remains of his home and lamented the loss of personal items, including portraits drawn by his daughter. 9I wanted to share those memories with her when she grew up,9 he stated with evident sorrow.
Some residences were not only destroyed but left communities fragmented, as people faced the reality of relocating permanently. The mayor stated at the press conference on March 10, 2025, the city had requested the prefecture to construct temporary housing units to assist those affected. They are expected to build 40 units, with construction likely commencing shortly.
Despite the lifting of evacuation orders, many residents remain displaced, unable to return due to extensive damage. At evacuation centers, the number of evacuees reduced from approximately 4,000 to about 411, indicating the urgency of rebuilding and restoring life for those affected by the fire.
Some residents, like Shozo Kumagai, expressed uncertainty about their futures after losing equipment necessary for their livelihoods. 9With all my farming tools destroyed, I don9t know how to proceed,9 he shared. Meanwhile, elderly residents, such as Yasuko Shimizu, reflected on the memories lost along with their homes, reiteratively moving through sorrowful stories of nostalgia and grief.
The local fishing community was also significantly impacted, with several fishermen losing equipment and facilities they had recently rebuilt after the 2011 tsunami. One fisherman remarked, 9It feels like the earthquake has returned, but we must carry on,9 highlighting their resilience amid repeated devastation.
Emergency services continue operations, monitoring the situation and extinguishing any remaining hot spots to prevent future flare-ups. Firefighters were observed actively patrolling areas where evacuation orders were lifted, ensuring safety. Reports of the Sanriku Railway also confirmed the train service would resume operations on March 11.
For many residents, returning home is the first step toward healing, but the road to recovery is fraught with challenges. A 72-year-old woman named Taeko Murakami, who lost her home, expressed the deep emotional turmoil of returning to the ashes of her life. She stated, 9I faced the reality of seeing my memories go up in flames. I want to rebuild, but it won9t be easy.9
Residents echoed the necessity for community support and collaboration during these tumultuous times, believing their shared experiences could help rebuild the connections necessary for recovery. The collective efforts of volunteers, local authorities, and neighboring communities will play a role in shaping the future of Ofunato as they aim to restore stability following the devastation.
Returning residents are not just faced with physical rebuilding; they face emotional recovery as well. Young students like Misaki Kashishita reflected on their experience of loss, stating, 9All my favorite things are gone, but I have to move forward. I can only look to the future and rebuild.9 The powerful sentiment of finding hope amid despair resonates with many as they navigate through the ruins of their past.
While Ofunato City now begins the process of rebuilding, the community is also striving to reinforce the bonds forgotten amid immense personal losses. Local residents have emphasized the importance of establishing temporary shelters and seeking regulatory assistance to bolster efforts to recover and return to everyday life.
Their spirit remains unbroken as they look to heal as individuals and as community members away from the residual effects of the catastrophic forest fire.