Wildfire spreads near Kirikiri Tunnel area in Ōtsuchi, Iwate, Japan

On April 23, 2026, in Ōtsuchi, Iwate, Japan, @N62mfkbnNc61531 shared a video showing an active forest fire near the Kirikiri Tunnel area. In the video, flames and heavy smoke can be seen rising from a forested hillside during the early morning hours around 4:00 a.m. According to reports, large wildfires have been burning in Ōtsuchi for several consecutive days, spreading across mountainous terrain and forcing mass evacuations. Fire crews, supported by helicopters and ground teams, have been working to contain the blaze under difficult conditions due to dry weather and strong winds. The fires have affected hundreds of hectares and prompted evacuation orders for thousands of residents as the situation continues to evolve.