A large-scale forest fire in Okayama City has entered its fourth day, with no clear end in sight. The fire, which broke out on March 23, 2025, has already burned approximately 550 hectares of land in Okayama and Tamano cities, marking it as the largest forest fire in Okayama Prefecture's history.
Evacuation orders have been issued for several areas, affecting 1,146 residents from 627 households in the Kotsuna district of Okayama City, along with 987 residents from 464 households in the Banda and Kitagata districts of Tamano City. Authorities are urging residents to evacuate as they continue to monitor the situation closely.
As of March 26, 2025, evacuees have been maintaining social distancing due to concerns over infection. One evacuee expressed the challenges faced during this crisis, stating, "I haven't been able to sleep. I'm feeling exhausted." Another mentioned their family is staying in their car to keep a safe distance from others.
The Okayama City Fire Department reports that smoke can be seen in 30 to 40 locations, complicating firefighting efforts. Fire Chief Yuji Suetomo stated, "We are fully utilizing our firefighting resources, but we cannot currently predict when we will contain the fire." The challenging terrain has made it difficult to extend hoses effectively, further hampering efforts.
In response to the fire, the Kojima Bay Grand Bridge was closed to general traffic on the evening of March 25 to facilitate firefighting operations. The closure has raised concerns about increased disruption to daily life, as this bridge is a key route connecting the affected areas to the city center.
Reporter Genta Nakanishi, reporting from a safe location across the bay, noted that white smoke was still rising from the forested areas. Despite the ongoing firefighting efforts, he reported that the burned area had exceeded 500 hectares by the evening of March 26. New evacuation orders were issued that night, indicating a heightened state of concern as residents prepared for another anxious night.
Firefighters have reported that while they have managed to stop the fire from spreading to residential areas, it continues to burn in the mountains. The ever-changing wind direction has been a significant factor in the fire's spread, with conditions allowing for reignition even after portions of the fire have been extinguished. As of the afternoon of March 26, the fire was still spreading from the summit of Mt. Inubi towards the east and west sides of Futatsudame Pond.
As the situation remains dire, rain is finally expected on March 27, 2025. The forecast predicts a 20% chance of precipitation in the morning, increasing to 60% by the afternoon. Rain is anticipated to begin in the evening and is expected to continue through the night, potentially providing much-needed relief to firefighters battling the flames.
Local residents are hopeful that this rain will help to weaken the fire's intensity. The Okayama City Fire Department continues to work tirelessly, aiming for early containment of the blaze. They have deployed ground units from various fire departments within the prefecture, as well as firefighting helicopters from Okayama and Kobe cities, along with disaster prevention helicopters from Okayama and Kagawa Prefectures, and aviation units from the Self-Defense Forces.
As of March 26, the burned area was reported to be approximately 546 hectares, equivalent to about 120 Tokyo Domes. The fire had expanded by about 123 hectares within just seven hours earlier that day. Despite the challenges presented by the wind and terrain, firefighters remain committed to their efforts.
In a statement, the Okayama City officials acknowledged the scale of the disaster and the ongoing risks to both residents and firefighters. They emphasized the importance of following evacuation orders and staying informed through official channels as the situation develops.
The community is coming together, with many residents expressing their gratitude for the firefighters' hard work and dedication. As the fire continues to pose a threat, the hope is that the anticipated rain will assist in bringing the situation under control.
As the days progress, the residents of Okayama City and Tamano City are left to grapple with the uncertainty of the fire's impact on their homes and lives. The local government is actively working to provide support and resources to those affected, ensuring that safety remains the top priority.
With the forecasted rain on the horizon, there is a cautious optimism that the relentless blaze may finally begin to subside, allowing the community to recover and heal from this devastating event.
