Wildfire in Japan's Okayama continues to spread

A wildfire that broke out in a mountainous area of Japan's Okayama City over the weekend has continued to spread, with firefighting efforts still underway.

As of 10am local time (0100 GMT) on Monday, approximately 250 hectares in Okayama City's Minami Ward and parts of Tamano City have been burned since the fire broke out on Sunday.

Six buildings, including houses and warehouses, have been affected, but no injuries have been reported, national broadcaster NHK said.

Firefighting operations continued overnight, with reinforcements from surrounding municipalities joining efforts. Ten helicopters, including those from the Japan Self-Defense Forces, are conducting aerial water drops.

Due to the risk of the fire spreading to residential areas, Okayama City has issued evacuation orders for 403 households, according to the report.