Operation of Forest Fire Warnings and Others Will Begin

What Are Forest Fire Warnings and Advisories

　The forest fire that occurred on February 26, 2025, in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, became the largest forest fire in Japan, with a burned area reaching approximately 3,370 hectares. From this lesson, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications proposed issuing "Forest Fire Warnings" and "Forest Fire Advisories" to enhance the effectiveness of forest fire prevention.

　For this reason, Inagi City will also begin operating the "Forest Fire Warning" aimed at preventing forest fires from January 1, 2026. Additionally, the operation of the "Forest Fire Advisory" will start from April 2026 onward.

Issuance Period

The period from January 1 to May 31 every year

Note: This targets the period when the air is dry and forest fires frequently occur.

Forest Fire Warning Issuance Criteria

Issued when the Japan Meteorological Agency announces a strong wind advisory and any of the following criteria are met.

1. The total precipitation over the past 3 days is 1 millimeter or less, and the total precipitation over the past 30 days is 30 millimeters or less.
2. The total precipitation over the past 3 days is 1 millimeter or less, and the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a dry weather advisory.

　Note: In addition to the issuance conditions, the decision to issue is made considering the expected precipitation conditions on the day.

Forest Fire Advisory Issuance Criteria (Scheduled to be implemented from April 2026)

It will be issued if any of the following criteria are met.

1. The total precipitation over the past 3 days is 1 millimeter or less, and the total precipitation over the past 30 days is 30 millimeters or less.
2. The total precipitation over the past 3 days is 1 millimeter or less, and the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a dry weather advisory.

Cancellation Criteria

The warning will be canceled when the issuance criteria are no longer met.

Applicable Areas

The sites designated as "Regional Forest Plan Target Forests" and "National Forests" are the applicable areas.

Note: There are no sites corresponding to "National Forests" within Inagi City.

• Check Regional Forest Plan Target Forests (external link)

When a forest fire warning or similar alert is issued, the use of fire will be restricted.

When a forest fire warning or similar alert is issued, the following uses of fire will be restricted.

1. Do not ignite fires in forests, wilderness, or similar areas.
2. Do not use fireworks (including those for toys) outdoors.
3. Do not play with fire or make bonfires outdoors.
4. Do not smoke near explosive materials or easily flammable items such as fallen leaves outdoors.
5. When disposing of cigarette butts or ashes outdoors, make sure the fire is completely extinguished before handling.

Furthermore, when a forest fire warning is issued, those who violate the "restrictions on the use of fire" shall be subject to a fine of up to 300,000 yen or detention as stipulated by the Fire Service Act.

Also, from April 2026 onward, when a forest fire advisory is issued, a duty of effort regarding the restrictions on the use of fire will be imposed.

Note: This applies to the use of open flames outdoors where sparks may scatter. (An open flame refers to a fire exposed directly to the air without any cover or enclosure.)

Methods of Notification for Issuance and Cancellation

The status of issuance of forest fire warnings, etc., will be notified by the following methods.

1. Official City Website
2. Official City X
3. Disaster Information Email
4. Patrol Publicity by Inagi City Fire Department Vehicles

Notification to the Fire Station

If you engage in activities that produce "smoke" or "fire" that could be mistaken for a fire, notification to the fire station is required.

• Notification of Acts That May Hinder Firefighting Activities (PDF 85.9KB)
• Notification of Acts That May Hinder Firefighting Activities (Electronic Application) (External Link)