- Wild forest fires in Japan's Iwate Prefecture have forced about 3,000 people to evacuate their homes as flames approach residential areas.
- The blazes, which began on Wednesday, have scorched over 730 hectares (1,800 acres) in two districts of Otsuchi by Saturday.
- More than 1,300 firefighters and troops from the Japan Self-Defence Forces have been mobilised, with helicopters deployed to drop water.
- At least eight buildings, including one residence, have been destroyed, but no casualties have been reported.
- Experts attribute the fires to seasonal dry weather and dried fallen leaves, noting that climate change is intensifying conditions conducive to wildfires.
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