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【Ofunato Forest Fire】Futon-Drying Support Moves to the Next Stage
The recent forest fire in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, caused the worst damage the city has seen since the Heisei era. Since April, Civic Force has been providing assistance including drying futons at the Fukushi no Sato Center, which is serving as an evacuation shelter, on May 11.
On February 26, 2025, a wildfire ignited, spreading across an alarming 3,370 hectares – 10% of the city's total area. The disaster claimed one life and damaged 222 buildings, including 88 homes. While the fire was finally extinguished on April 7, 41 days later, its impact continues. As of May 16, two evacuation centers were still housing 39 individuals.
The simple act of providing a clean, fresh futon has made a significant difference. Evacuees who received their "fluffy futons" were visibly relieved, expressing gratitude with smiles and comments like, "Now I can sleep comfortably."
On May 11, the team conducted their latest futon drying operation. Futons were loaded into a truck with insulation, dried at high temperatures for about an hour using a jet fan, and then thoroughly cleaned of dust and mites with a vacuum. With temporary housing becoming available, many residents used this service to prepare for their move, noting, "It was good to be able to clean them before the move." To date, this vital service has been provided six times, cleaning a total of 115 items.
The futon drying support concluded on May 11 as attention now shifts to helping disaster victims with their moves. The transition to temporary housing presents new challenges, with some families, previously under one roof, needing to split due to layout constraints. The journey to rebuilding lives, including homes, will be long and complex. Civic Force remains committed to supporting these ongoing needs, ensuring that even as the immediate crisis recedes, the path to recovery is well-supported.
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