The Otsuki municipal government in Yamanashi Prefecture lifted an evacuation directive on January 18 for 152 people affected by a forest fire that broke out on January 8. The blaze, on Mt. Ogi straddling Otsuki and Uenohara cities, has burned about 383 hectares. Officials stated that the risk of the fire spreading to homes has decreased.
A forest fire broke out on January 8 on Mt. Ogi, which straddles Otsuki City and Uenohara City in Yamanashi Prefecture. This led the Otsuki municipal government to issue an evacuation directive for 138 households, affecting 152 people. The order was lifted on Sunday, January 18.
The city stated that “the risk of the fire spreading to homes has decreased,” allowing residents to return. According to fire departments from both cities, approximately 383 hectares had burned as of noon on Sunday.
While the fire on the Uenohara side has been mostly contained, it continues to spread on the Otsuki side. Firefighting efforts are set to resume on Monday, January 19.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges with wildfires in mountainous areas, though the lifting of the evacuation brings relief to the affected community. Authorities urge continued vigilance.
