Wildfires that ravaged northern Japan's forests have been brought under control after an 11-day battle, officials announced.
The blazes, reportedly the second biggest in over 30 years, burned across 1,600 hectares (4,000 acres) in the mountainous Iwate region, damaging at least eight buildings and injuring two people.
Thousands of people were evacuated as the fires spread, but thanks to aerial and ground firefighting operations, as well as heavy rainfall, the flames were eventually contained.
While authorities have declared the fire under control, they remain vigilant, aware that smouldering embers could still pose a threat.
The wildfire is the second-largest in Japan since 1975, following a 2,600-hectare blaze in Iwate last year.
Increasingly dry winters have raised the risk of wildfires, with scientists warning that climate change caused by fossil fuel burning will make droughts more intense and longer-lasting.
