TOKYO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- A forest fire that broke out on Friday within Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Nagahama Shooting Range in Hiroshima Prefecture continued to burn over 20 hours later despite weakened flames, local media reported.

At around 9:40 a.m. local time on Friday, a report was received from a resident stating that "flames were rising" from a coastal forest in Etajima City. Local television footage showed thick white smoke billowing from the fire site.

The fire initially spread to forested areas above residential neighborhoods near the base of the mountain. Firefighters reported that the intensity of the fire had subsided, and a change in wind direction had significantly reduced the risk of the fire reaching nearby homes, national broadcaster NHK reported.

Residents, including those from a nearby special nursing home for the elderly, were evacuated as a precaution. No injuries have been reported so far, according to the report.

According to the Maritime Self-Defense Force's First Technical School, a training exercise simulating mine disposal was being conducted at the shooting range when the fire started. The exercise involved detonating a small amount of dynamite.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, including any potential link to the training. Enditem

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