Japan’s Biggest Wildfire in Decades Rages On as Thousands Flee

Dry conditions, record-low February rainfall, and strong winds fueled the flames, making containment efforts extremely difficult. NASA satellites captured dramatic images of thick smoke blanketing the area, while officials scrambled to evacuate thousands of residents. With over 2,000 firefighters battling the inferno, the disaster highlights the growing intensity of Japan’s wildfire seasons.

Massive Wildfire Engulfs Northern Japan

A massive wildfire, the largest Japan has seen in decades, spread rapidly through dry, windy conditions in late winter 2025. By March 3, the fire had scorched approximately 2,100 hectares (8.1 square miles) of forest near Ofunato, a coastal city about 400 kilometers (250 miles) north of Tokyo.

According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA), the blaze ignited around 1 p.m. local time on February 26. By March 1, NASA’s Terra satellite, using its MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) sensor, captured striking images of thick smoke billowing from the fire. A dense plume hovered over the coast, casting shadows on the Ofunato area, while lighter smoke drifted eastward over the Pacific Ocean.