(Credit: AFP/Fire and Disaster Management Agency)
Japan northeastern Ofunato has been battling with the country’s largest wildfire in half a century. The wildfire started burning since 26 February 2025, killing one person and damaging at least 210 buildings, forcing more than 4,200 residents to flee their homes.
According to Channel News Asia (CNA), Ofunato’s mayor announced on 9 March 2025 in a recent news conference that the fire is now under control. However, the wildfire’s impact extends beyond immediate destruction, raising concerns about broader business and economic implications for Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.
Unprecedented Nature of the Wildfire
Kei Masuyama, a risk manager at MHI, spoke with PARIMA and highlighted the unusual nature of this wildfire, explaining that Japan’s climate is typically wet and humid across most regions and seasons, making large-scale wildfires rare. However, the prolonged dry winter conditions and strong seasonal winds this year created an environment conducive to rapid fire spread.
Another risk expert, Yosuke Happo, Managing Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Logistics & IMT at Inpex Corporation, also shared his insights on the issue. He observed that since the wildfire occurred in a remote area, human casualties and economic damage were relatively limited. However, the incident has drawn national attention, raising awareness that large-scale wildfires which was once considered uncommon in Japan, could become a greater risk due to changing climatic and environmental conditions.
Mitigation Strategies & Key Takeaways for Risk Managers
Experts emphasised that wildfire mitigation requires a proactive approach, particularly as climate conditions shift. According to The Japan Times, Akira Kato, an associate professor in forestry at Chiba University, stated that forest fires are inevitable, but the key is to contain their spread and prevent them from reaching residential areas. He highlighted that regular maintenance — such as clearing fallen branches and trees that can easily ignite is essential in wildfire prevention.
“When fires occurred, (nature) was able to properly handle it in a natural cycle, but humans cut down trees and developed forests in various ways, disrupting this cycle. Once we’ve planted trees and meddled with nature, we need to have a sense of responsibility to continue to maintain it,” said by Kato.
Back-to-Back Wildfires Hit Japan
Right after the massive fire in Ofunato, two wildfires erupted on 23 March 2025 in the mountainous regions of western Japan, specifically in Okayama and Imabari, Ehime Prefecture. According to local news outlet The Mainichi, approximately 15 fire trucks and a firefighting helicopter were deployed to combat the blaze, which was first reported via an emergency call around 3:00 PM (local time). Shortly after, at around 3:55 PM (local time), another wildfire broke out in Imabari, prompting police to urge nearby residents to evacuate as firefighting efforts intensified.
According to the survey PARIMA performed with the local risk community in Japan, the top three risks in Japan remain Natural Catastrophes, Climate Change, and Cyber Risks. While wildfires are not traditionally a major risk factor, these incidents serve as a stark reminder that fires can occur unexpectedly, reinforcing the need for stronger disaster preparedness and resilient business continuity planning.
South Korea faces worst wildfire in decades, killing at least 18
Multiple wildfires broke out in southeastern South Korea, claiming at least 18 lives in one of the country’s worst wildfire disasters in decades.
According to Reuters, the South Korean government stated that the wildfires spread rapidly, forcing over 27,000 residents to evacuate. Schools have been closed, and hundreds of prisoners are being relocated.
South Korea’s Ministry of Security and Public Administration reported that as of 26 March 2025 5:00 AM local time, the wildfire in Uiseong County had killed 14 people, while four additional deaths were linked to a fire in Sancheong County.
The blazes, which ignited on 22 March 2025 in Uiseong, remain uncontained, destroying ancient temples and numerous homes.
While wildfires are not traditionally a major risk factor, these incidents serve as a stark reminder that fires can occur unexpectedly, reinforcing the need for stronger disaster preparedness and resilient business continuity planning.
