A “Forest Fire Advisory” was issued on the 22nd in 13 cities, towns, and villages within the area, aimed at preventing forest fires. This is the first time the advisory has been issued within the jurisdiction (excluding the islands and certain parts of the metropolitan area) since it began on April 1st.
The Forest Fire Advisory was established along with the “Forest Fire Warning” following a large-scale mountain fire that occurred in February last year. The advisory is issued from January to May, when forest fires are frequent, if the total precipitation over the previous three days is 1 millimeter or less, and a dry weather advisory has been issued, or if the total precipitation over the previous 30 days is 30 millimeters or less.
If a strong wind advisory is also issued under these conditions, a Forest Fire Warning is declared. The warning came into effect earlier this year in January, ahead of the advisory, and has already been issued.
What is a Forest Fire Warning?
During a warning, the use of fire is restricted within the target area, including outdoor fireworks, campfires, and smoking near flammable materials like fallen leaves. Violators may face fines of up to 300,000 yen or other penalties based on regulations. For an advisory, restraint in using fire is recommended, but no penalties apply.
The agency urges: “Forest fires can cause severe damage to human life and forest resources. Please handle fire with caution.”
On the 21st, dry grass caught fire on a riverbank in Tokyo, spreading across about 2,000 square meters. It took nearly three hours to extinguish the fire, and about 20 fire trucks were dispatched.
