Wildfires continue to spread in two prefectures in western Japan, prompting authorities to urge residents to evacuate.

In Okayama Prefecture, a mountain forest fire broke out in Okayama City's Minami Ward on Sunday afternoon.

The fire is still raging in multiple locations more than 20 hours after it started. Damage has been seen at the foot of some mountains, where there are areas dotted with homes and warehouses.

By 10 a.m. on Monday, the fire had burned more than 250 hectares. No injuries have been reported so far.

Firefighters are working to extinguish the blaze. They have been reinforced with support from other municipalities in Okayama Prefecture. Ten helicopters have been dispatched to help contain the blazes. They include helicopters of the Self-Defense Forces.

Okayama City officials have issued evacuation orders for about 900 residents. They warn the fires may spread into settlements at the foot of mountains.

Another forest fire has broken out in the city of Imabari in Ehime Prefecture.

Firefighting officials received a report about the blaze on Sunday afternoon.

They say about 300 people are working to contain the fire. Helicopters from Ehime are fighting the blaze. The prefecture has asked neighboring Tokushima Prefecture and the Self-Defense Forces for more helicopters.

The officials say the fire continues to spread, and a section of the blaze is under the influence of westerly winds and is expanding toward Saijo City.

City officials are urging people who live near the fire to evacuate.

nhk