Issuance of Forest Fire Advisories and Warnings Begins: Protecting Toyohashi Citizens and the City from Forest Fires

As forest fires occur frequently nationwide, Toyohashi City in Aichi Prefecture began the operation of forest fire advisories and warnings from April 2026. The issuance period is from January to May, when conditions become increasingly dry, and warnings are issued based on indices notified by the national government. On April 8, the first advisory was issued.

Following a large-scale forest fire that occurred in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture on February 26, 2025, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency held a 'Study Group on the State of Fire and Disaster Prevention Measures,' concluding that it is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of forest fire prevention.

Accordingly, Toyohashi City partially revised its Fire Prevention Ordinance to implement more effective preventive measures.

The areas subject to the forest fire advisories and warnings were made identical to the areas requiring permission for controlled burns under the Forest Act, making it easier for relevant departments to coordinate and inform citizens. Furthermore, when issued, citizens will be notified through patrol broadcasts by fire engines and the use of 'Toyohashi Hot Mail' (a registered email service).

Even within Toyohashi City, a forest fire just occurred on March 14, 2026, burning approximately 3.5 hectares near the coast. This year has seen a particularly high number of fires involving dry grass and forests, and many mountain fires originate from human carelessness, such as fires spreading from bonfires.

Due to rugged terrain and limited road access, mountain fires are difficult to extinguish, and once they occur, they pose a risk of immense damage, making prior prevention paramount.

The City Fire Department has previously called for extreme caution when handling fire outdoors, but is now requesting cooperation, stating, 'We hope citizens will also pay attention to the issued advisory information.'