Forest fires have broken out in the Northeastern Japanese

Forest fires have broken out in the Northeastern Japanese prefecture of Iwate and have yet to be contained. City officials said at least 84 houses and other buildings have been damaged. Police also said the blazes started on Wednesday afternoon, and are spreading in districts.

The flames had reportedly burned an area of more than 600 hectares as of 5 P.M. Wednesday. Ofunato authorities issued an evacuation order for 2,060 people in 850 households in all areas in Sanrikucho Ryori and 54 people in 23 households in the Attari district. Police and firefighters are checking to see if there are any people with injuries or who have remained in place.