A wildfire that broke out last week in Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo, is spreading and has scorched more than 160 hectares of mountain forest.
The blaze started on Thursday on Ougiyama, a mountain which straddles the cities of Uenohara and Otsuki.
The fire is extending westward, and has been confirmed to be burning in a mountainous area of Otsuki. Fire officials said it has charred about 162 hectares.
Firefighters and others continued to combat the blaze on Tuesday using helicopters, water hoses and backpack water tanks. But the fire has not been contained.
Officials said flames were about 350 meters away from some residential areas in Otsuki, but chances that they will spread to houses are considered low.
The two cities have issued a dry-air advisory since Monday, and with little rain forecast in and around the area for the coming week, the wildfire is showing no signs of being extinguished.
Authorities say there have been no reports of casualties or damage to buildings. An evacuation order remains in place for 145 residents in Uenohara.
Quiz 1:
Where did the wildfire break out?
A. Near Tokyo City
B. Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo
C. Uenohara City
D. Otsuki City
Quiz 2:
Approximately how much area has the wildfire scorched?
A. 145 hectares
B. 350 hectares
C. 162 hectares
D. 100 hectares
Quiz 3:
What is currently preventing the wildfire from being extinguished?
A. Lack of rain in the forecast
B. Strong winds pushing the flames
C. Difficulty accessing the mountainous terrain
D. Insufficient numbers of firefighters
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B
Quiz 2: C
Quiz 3: A
The blaze started on Thursday on Ougiyama, a mountain which straddles the cities of Uenohara and Otsuki.
The fire is extending westward, and has been confirmed to be burning in a mountainous area of Otsuki. Fire officials said it has charred about 162 hectares.
Firefighters and others continued to combat the blaze on Tuesday using helicopters, water hoses and backpack water tanks. But the fire has not been contained.
Officials said flames were about 350 meters away from some residential areas in Otsuki, but chances that they will spread to houses are considered low.
The two cities have issued a dry-air advisory since Monday, and with little rain forecast in and around the area for the coming week, the wildfire is showing no signs of being extinguished.
Authorities say there have been no reports of casualties or damage to buildings. An evacuation order remains in place for 145 residents in Uenohara.
Quiz 1:
Where did the wildfire break out?
A. Near Tokyo City
B. Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo
C. Uenohara City
D. Otsuki City
Quiz 2:
Approximately how much area has the wildfire scorched?
A. 145 hectares
B. 350 hectares
C. 162 hectares
D. 100 hectares
Quiz 3:
What is currently preventing the wildfire from being extinguished?
A. Lack of rain in the forecast
B. Strong winds pushing the flames
C. Difficulty accessing the mountainous terrain
D. Insufficient numbers of firefighters
[Answer block]
Answers:
Quiz 1: B
Quiz 2: C
Quiz 3: A
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Summary: Bushfire burning on mountain west of Tokyo
Summary: Bushfire near Tokyo shows no signs of being extinguished
Bushfire burning on mountain west of Tokyo
Forest fire continues in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan
Summary
Yamanashi wildfire (west of Tokyo) has scorched over 160 hectares of mountain forest. Started near Uenohara/Otsuki, flames approached residential areas but risk is low. No casualties, 145 residents evacuated; little rain hinders efforts.
Reading History
| Date | Name | Words | Time | WPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/01/14 08:00 | Anonymous | 269 | 112s | 144 |
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ID: d185c7d4-ab6b-4a57-8b70-4344fd174ed6
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260113_22/
Date: Jan. 13, 2026
Notes: NHK News with Quiz - 2026-01-13
Created: 2026/01/14 04:40
Updated: 2026/01/14 08:00
Last Read: 2026/01/14 08:00