The causes of the fire are unknown, although it started on Wednesday night in a forested area, where strong winds contributed to its rapid spread, according to local residents.

Military helicopters are currently supporting the firefighting efforts, while many local officials are cooperating in the evacuation of hundreds of families.

Municipal authorities estimate that at least 84 houses and other buildings in Ofunato, Iwate county, have been damaged, some of them even reduced to ashes.

According to the Japanese news corporation NHK, police said the fire is spreading to the Attari area, Akasakicho district, and to the Koji and Tahama areas, Sanrikucho Ryori district.

For safety reasons, vehicular traffic to these locations was restricted to avoid putting more citizens at risk.

The police and fire departments are working together to check if there are any injured people or if they have not yet abandoned the areas at risk.

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