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Japan: Wildfires Grow in Iwate’s Otsuchi as Evacuation Orders Widen 4

Two wildfires, which broke out on the afternoon of April 22 in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northeast Japan, have scorched more than 1,000 hectares of land as of Friday, April 24, with at least eight structures — including a home — reported destroyed. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for more than 3,000 people as firefighting efforts continue. This video was shot at a parking area near the fire on Sanriku Expressway on April 24.

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Japan: Wildfires Grow in Iwate’s Otsuchi as Evacuation Orders Widen 2

This video shows the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northeast Japan shrouded in wildfire smoke as the fires kept spreading on Thursday, April 23. The two blazes, which broke out in forested areas on the afternoon of April 22, have scorched more than 1,000 hectares of land as of Friday, April 24, with at least eight structures — including a home — reported destroyed. Authorities issued evacuation orders for more than 3,000 people as firefighting efforts continue.

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Japan: Wildfires Grow in Iwate’s Otsuchi as Evacuation Orders Widen 3

Two wildfires, which broke out on the afternoon of April 22 in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northeast Japan, have scorched more than 1,000 hectares of land as of Friday, April 24, with at least eight structures — including a home — reported destroyed. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for more than 3,000 people as firefighting efforts continue.

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Japan: Wildfires Grow in Iwate’s Otsuchi as Evacuation Orders Widen

Two wildfires broke out in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northeast Japan on the afternoon of April 22. The blazes have scorched more than 1,000 hectares of land as of Friday, April 24, with at least eight structures — including a home — reported destroyed. Authorities have issued evacuation orders for more than 3,000 people as firefighting efforts continue.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Smoke blankets mountainous areas of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture on April 24, 2026, as wildfires continue following its outbreak at two locations in the northeastern Japan town two days before.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Smoke blankets mountainous areas of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture on April 24, 2026, as wildfires continue following its outbreak at two locations in the northeastern Japan town two days before.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Smoke blankets mountainous areas of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture on April 24, 2026, as wildfires continue following its outbreak at two locations in the northeastern Japan town two days before.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Smoke blankets mountainous areas of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture on April 24, 2026, as wildfires continue following its outbreak at two locations in the northeastern Japan town two days before.

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Japan: Wildfires Rage in Iwate, Displacing 2,000 Residents and Destroying Homes 3

Two wildfires broke out simultaneously in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northern Japan on the afternoon of April 22, local authorities confirmed. According to town officials, the blazes have scorched more than 200 hectares of land, with at least seven structures — including residential homes — reported destroyed. In response, authorities issued evacuation orders for approximately 2,000 residents as firefighting efforts continue.

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Japan: Wildfires Rage in Iwate, Displacing 2,000 Residents and Destroying Homes 4

Two wildfires broke out simultaneously in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northern Japan on the afternoon of April 22, local authorities confirmed. According to town officials, the blazes have scorched more than 200 hectares of land, with at least seven structures — including residential homes — reported destroyed. In response, authorities issued evacuation orders for approximately 2,000 residents as firefighting efforts continue.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

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Japan: Wildfires Rage in Iwate, Displacing 2,000 Residents and Destroying Homes 2

Two wildfires broke out simultaneously in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northern Japan on the afternoon of April 22, local authorities confirmed. According to town officials, the blazes have scorched more than 200 hectares of land, with at least seven structures — including residential homes — reported destroyed. In response, authorities issued evacuation orders for approximately 2,000 residents as firefighting efforts continue.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns into the night on April 23, 2026, in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, after breaking out the previous day. Wildfires started in two locations in the town, with containment still not in sight.

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Japan: Wildfires Rage in Iwate, Displacing 2,000 Residents and Destroying Homes

Two wildfires broke out simultaneously in forested areas of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, in northern Japan on the afternoon of April 22, local authorities confirmed. According to town officials, the blazes have scorched more than 200 hectares of land, with at least seven structures — including residential homes — reported destroyed. In response, authorities issued evacuation orders for approximately 2,000 residents as firefighting efforts continue.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Photo taken on April 23, 2026, shows the site of a wildfire that broke out the previous day in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan. Wildfires that broke out in two locations in the town continue with containment still not in sight.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Smoke from wildfires that broke out at two locations in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, covers the city center the following day, April 23, as people look on.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Smoke from wildfires that broke out on April 22, 2026, at two sites in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, shrouds the city center on April 23, as the fires continue with no end in sight.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Smoke from wildfires that broke out on April 22, 2026, at two sites in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, shrouds the city center on April 23, as the fires continue with no end in sight.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Smoke from wildfires that broke out on April 22, 2026, at two sites in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, shrouds the city center on April 23, as the fires continue with no end in sight.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News plane shows smoke rising from a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 23, 2026, as wildfires that broke out at two sites in the town the previous day continue.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News plane shows smoke rising from a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 23, 2026, as wildfires that broke out at two sites in the town the previous day continue.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News plane shows smoke rising from a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 23, 2026, as wildfires that broke out at two sites in the town the previous day continue.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Photo taken from a Kyodo News plane shows smoke rising from a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 23, 2026, as wildfires that broke out at two sites in the town the previous day continue.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Firefighting operations continue on April 23, 2026, in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, as wildfires that broke out at two sites in the town the previous day continue.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

Firefighting operations continue on April 23, 2026, in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, as wildfires that broke out at two sites in the town the previous day continue.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

People watch a wildfire burning in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, as local authorities urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Another fire broke out in the same town earlier in the day.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

People watch a wildfire burning in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, as local authorities urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Another fire broke out in the same town earlier in the day.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

People watch a wildfire burning in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, as local authorities urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Another fire broke out in the same town earlier in the day.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Another fire broke out in the same town earlier in the day.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Another fire broke out in the same town earlier in the day.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in woodland in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026. Another fire broke out in the same town the same day, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate. Another fire broke out in the same town earlier in the day.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

People watch a wildfire burning in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026. Another fire broke out in the same town the same day, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026. Another fire broke out in the same town the same day, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

People watch a wildfire burning in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026. Another fire broke out in the same town the same day, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026. Another fire broke out in the same town the same day, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate.

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Wildfires in northeastern Japan

A wildfire burns in a mountainous area in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on April 22, 2026. Another fire broke out in the same town the same day, prompting local authorities to urge over 1,000 residents to evacuate.

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[Breaking News]Fireworks launched for victims of March 2011 disaster

OTSUCHI, Japan, Aug. 15 Kyodo - Fireworks are set off in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture on Aug. 15, 2025, in memory of those killed in the March 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster that devastated the northeastern Japan town. (Kyodo)

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Fireworks launched for victims of March 2011 disaster

Fireworks are set off in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture on Aug. 15, 2025, in memory of those killed in the March 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster that devastated the northeastern Japan town.

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Fireworks launched for victims of March 2011 disaster

Fireworks are set off in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture on Aug. 15, 2025, in memory of those killed in the March 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster that devastated the northeastern Japan town.

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Fireworks launched for victims of March 2011 disaster

Fireworks are set off in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture on Aug. 15, 2025, in memory of those killed in the March 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster that devastated the northeastern Japan town.

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Fireworks launched for victims of March 2011 disaster

Fireworks are set off in Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture on Aug. 15, 2025, in memory of those killed in the March 2011 earthquake-tsunami disaster that devastated the northeastern Japan town.

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12th anniversary of 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

A woman prays while facing the sea in the Iwate Prefecture town of Otsuchi, northeastern Japan, on March 11, 2023, the 12th anniversary of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster that devastated the country's northeast.

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Temporary housing residents' picture-story shows

MORIOKA, Japan - Yuriko Nakamura (front L) and other residents of temporary housing in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, damaged by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, hold hand-made picture-story cards based on local folklore on June 18, 2014, in the northeastern Japanese town.

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New Year decoration at makeshift barber shop in Iwate Pref.

OTSUCHI, Japan - Tetsuro Abe puts up a New Year decoration around the entrance of his makeshift barber shop in the disaster-hit town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture on Dec. 31, 2011. The barber shop, which was opened by his father and had been in business for 40 years, was washed away by the March 11 tsunami.

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Tsunami-hit railway line to be restored

MORIOKA, Japan - East Japan Railway Co.'s Namiitakaigan Station on the suspended Yamada Line is shown with its rails cut off in the distance in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, in this file photo taken in November 2014. The company and the local community agreed on Dec. 24, 2014, to restore the line wrecked by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.