Firefighting authorities in Okayama City, western Japan, have declared that the wildfires that broke out in the city nearly three weeks ago have been extinguished.



The city's fire department made the declaration on Friday after finding no active flames or hot spots since April 5.



The wildfires, which started on March 23, burned about 565 hectares, including parts of neighboring Tamano City. No one was injured, but six structures, including homes and warehouses, were damaged.



The wildfires were among the largest ever recorded in Okayama Prefecture.



The authorities announced on March 28 that the wildfires had been brought under control.



But helicopters and firefighters on the ground were deployed to check for hot spots in the affected areas.



It is believed the wildfires were started by a worker who set fire to trees he had cut down. Police are investigating the cause.



The city of Okayama plans to conduct a field study to assess the damage left by the fires. It also plans to implement measures to revive local forestry and prevent mudslides during periods of heavy rain.