Japan evacuates thousands as hundreds of firefighters battle wildfires

Climate change linked to the burning of fossil fuels is making droughts more intense and longer lasting, creating ideal conditions for fires

Hundreds of firefighters were battling wildfires in the forests of northern Japan on Saturday, as authorities urged more than 3,200 people to evacuate their homes, government officials said.

As of Saturday morning, blazes in the mountainous areas of Iwate region had burned about 700 hectares (1,730 acres) since breaking out three days ago, local government officials said in a statement.

A large column of smoke, which could be smelled 30km (20 miles) away, was seen rising up the valley near the town of Otsuchi as two helicopters dropped water on the burning forest.

In Otsuchi, fire engines were spraying the forest near homes close to the fire.

Wildfires spread in Northern Japan

About a dozen helicopters and more than 1,300 firefighters as well as Japan Self-Defence Forces troops would be mobilised on Saturday to battle the fires, the statement said.