A fire that broke out during a joint U.S.-Japan military exercise at the JGSDF Kirishima Training Area in Miyazaki Prefecture was brought under control on Saturday morning, officials said. The blaze, which began on February 20th, consumed approximately 350 hectares of land.
The fire originated around 10:10 a.m. On February 20th, reportedly sparked by a shell from an 81mm mortar during a live-fire training exercise conducted by the 24th Ordinary Infantry Regiment stationed in Ebino. The initial reports indicated that dry brush ignited as a result of the impact. Firefighters were alerted around 11:00 a.m. And began extinguishing efforts.
The affected area spans both Ebino City in Miyazaki Prefecture and Yūsui Town in Kagoshima Prefecture. At its peak, the firefighting operation involved three prefectural disaster helicopters – from Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Oita – alongside two helicopters from the Self-Defense Forces.
As of Saturday morning, the fire was reported as being under control, though authorities continue to monitor the area for potential flare-ups. No injuries have been reported in connection with the incident. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The JGSDF Kirishima Training Area was the site of a joint U.S.-Japan military exercise that began on February 11th. The Self-Defense Forces have stated that there is currently no confirmed connection between the fire and the ongoing joint training exercises.
