Over 10 prefectures have sent teams to help local authorities deal with the blazes.
Extent of damage not known Prefecture officials say helicopters were dispatched on Friday for firefighting operations and observation from local fire departments, police and the Self Defense Forces.
Ofunato city officials held a press conference on Friday morning.
The fires started on Wednesday and spread to several parts of the coastal city of Ofunato. Officials say about 1,200 hectares have been burned as of Friday morning. Dry air advisories have been issued for the southern coast of Iwate Prefecture for over a week.
Over 80 buildings are estimated to have been damaged, but the extent of the destruction could be greater. Power outages have been reported in some parts of the city.
Schools closed
Two elementary schools and one junior high school were closed for safety measures on Friday. A special class was held at another elementary school in Ofunato for evacuated students.
Students participate in the special class.
A sixth grader who took the lesson said, “I’m happy teachers gave me the chance to study.”
“I wonder what my house is like now, but I’d be sad to see it.”
Residents take shelter
Authorities say more than 800 people have taken shelter in evacuation centers in Ofunato City.
