Ofunato City in northeastern Japan's Iwate Prefecture lifted the remaining evacuation orders for wildfire-affected areas on Monday, 12 days after the fires broke out.



The move followed the city's declaration on Sunday that the wildfires had been contained.



The city lifted the remaining evacuation orders at 10 a.m. on Monday for the entire Sanrikucho Ryori district and three areas of the Akasakicho district, which had affected a total of 2,424 residents from 979 households.



Evacuation orders had remained in place for these areas because some households were without water. But officials said the city is now ready to restore water supply services.



The wildfires burned through about 9 percent of the city, damaging 210 buildings, including 102 houses. Officials said 76 houses were completely destroyed.



The city will keep evacuation shelters open for the time being. It is also coordinating with the prefectural government to begin preparations to build temporary housing for people whose houses were damaged.



Officials are also considering making use of privately-owned apartments and vacant rooms in public housing.



But they added that it is expected to take more time for the fires to be completely contained. Firefighters will continue patrolling the entire city to extinguish any remaining embers.