Japan forest fire sparks call to flee

More than 400 residents in northern Japan were urged to evacuate yesterday over fears a forest fire that has been blazing for two days could spread to residential areas.

Helicopters poured water for hours on the mountains around Nanyo city in Yamagata prefecture to douse the flames, but the operation was called off after dark with the fire still burning.

"We're urging over 400 residents in the three districts" of the city to evacuate, an official in charge of the disaster response said, adding that firefighting efforts will resume today.

Footage from public broadcaster NHK showed white smoke rising from the mountains.

Nanyo has been sweltering under higher-than-average temperatures and the mercury rose past 31 degrees yesterday.

The fire broke out on Saturday - prompting several road closures - with around 95 hectares burned down by yesterday evening.

Sapporo, known for its February snow festival, saw temperatures hit 25 degrees last month, the earliest since records began in 1877.