Forest Fire Spreading in Japan

Firefighters are struggling to contain blazes in the forest around the city of Ofunato in northeastern Japan. Officials said around 2,100 hectares have been damaged in the country’s worst wildfire in over three decades.

The fires are being battled from the air and the ground as smoke blows towards residential areas. Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have helicopters at the scene.  Over 80 buildings have been damaged. Nearly 1,200 local residents have taken shelter in facilities.