Original Source

A large forest fire in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, has scorched approximately 15 hectares. The fire occurred on a day with a record-low 9% minimum humidity for May, highlighting the increased risk of wildfires due to dry weather.

Fukuyama City Forest Fire: Damage Overview

A large forest fire in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, has caused extensive damage, turning mountain slopes brown and leaving trees burnt and exposed. According to fire authorities, the incident was reported on May 17 around 2:30 PM by a passerby who observed 'dry grass burning.' The fire is believed to have originated from a bonfire of waste materials that spread. As of 9:00 AM on May 18, Fukuyama City confirmed that approximately 15 hectares of forest were destroyed. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.

Dry Weather Conditions and Forest Fire Warnings

Fukuyama City has been under a forest fire warning since May 7. The day of the fire, May 17, recorded a minimum humidity of 9%, the lowest observed for May, indicating extremely dry conditions. The prolonged dry weather significantly increases the risk of small sparks escalating into large-scale wildfires, necessitating heightened caution. Firefighting authorities announced that the forest fire was successfully suppressed today around 3:40 PM.

*Source: YouTube: 日テレNEWS (2026-05-18)*

Related Articles

📧 Daily Newsletter

Get the daily global news briefing in your inbox every morning.

Subscribe

It's still free.