TOKYO – The wildfires in northeastern Japan are now largely under control as firefighting continued into a seventh day, local media reported.

Since breaking out last Wednesday in the town of Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture, the fires have so far prompted local authorities to advise 3,257 people from 1,558 households to seek shelter, Kyodo News reported.

The wildfires have burned more than 1,600 hectares by Tuesday morning, despite the efforts of local firefighters and Self-Defense Forces personnel, as well as the mobilization of 14 helicopters.

Rainfall on Monday was reported to have helped bring the fires under control, while more rain is expected in the coming days.