Residents evacuated as forest fires destroy buildings in Japan

• Wild forest fires in Japan's Iwate Prefecture have forced about 3,000 people to evacuate their homes as flames approach residential areas.
• The blazes, which began on Wednesday, have scorched over 730 hectares (1,800 acres) in two districts of Otsuchi by Saturday.
• More than 1,300 firefighters and troops from the Japan Self-Defence Forces have been mobilised, with helicopters deployed to drop water.
• At least eight buildings, including one residence, have been destroyed, but no casualties have been reported.
• Experts attribute the fires to seasonal dry weather and dried fallen leaves, noting that climate change is intensifying conditions conducive to wildfires.

IN FULL

Thousands evacuate in Japan as forest fires close in on homes