Tokyo, May 3 (SANA) Japanese authorities confirmed that the massive forest fire in northern Japan has been fully extinguished after 11 days of firefighting.
According to an AFP report, the wildfire in Iwate Prefecture burned roughly 1,600 hectares, making it one of the largest wildfires in Japan in decades. The blaze damaged at least eight buildings, caused minor injuries to two people, and prompted authorities to evacuate thousands of residents.
Otsuchi Mayor Kozo Hirano said the wildfire is now under control, crediting aerial water-dropping operations, ground crews, and heavy rainfall that helped suppress the remaining flames.
The wildfire in Iwate Prefecture is now considered the second-largest forest fire Japan has experienced in more than 30 years, and experts link the increase to longer drought periods and higher average temperatures.
R.A/ABD
