TOKYO, Jan 18 (NNN-NHK) – A forest fire that broke out yesterday, within Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force’s Nagahama Shooting Range, in Hiroshima Prefecture, continued to burn over 20 hours later, despite weakened flames, local media reported.
At around 9:40 a.m. local time yesterday, a report was received from a resident stating that “flames were rising” from a coastal forest in Etajima City. Local television footage showed thick white smoke billowing from the fire site.
The fire initially spread to forested areas above residential neighbourhoods, near the base of the mountain. Firefighters reported that, the intensity of the fire had subsided, and a change in wind direction had significantly reduced the risk of the fire reaching nearby homes.
Residents, including those from a nearby special nursing home for the elderly, were evacuated as a precaution. No injuries have been reported so far, according to the report.
According to the Maritime Self-Defensce Force’s First Technical School, a training exercise simulating mine disposal was being conducted at the shooting range, when the fire started. The exercise involved detonating a small amount of dynamite.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, including any potential link to the training.– NNN-NHK
