Strong winds fanned the flames across a residential area in Oita, forcing nearly 200 people to evacuate as military forces deployed aid to the scene.
TOKYO — A massive fire swept through a residential district in the southern Japanese city of Oita late Tuesday, destroying approximately 170 buildings and forcing the evacuation of 175 residents.
Local authorities confirmed on Wednesday that one person has died in the blaze. While the regional government initially reported one person missing, public broadcaster NHK stated that police officers searching for a 76-year-old man unaccounted for had found a body inside his home.
The fire, which broke out late Tuesday night, raged through the wooden houses characteristic of the area, fueled by strong winds and dry conditions. Footage from the scene showed firefighters spraying water on fierce orange flames that illuminated the night sky, while residents were hurriedly moved to a makeshift evacuation center.
“The flames rose up, dyeing the sky red. The wind was strong. I never thought it would spread this far,” a local man told NHK. Another witness described “trembling with fear” at seeing a “column of fire” unlike anything he had ever witnessed.
According to a statement from the regional government, at least 170 buildings were damaged or destroyed. Firefighters continued to battle the blaze well into Wednesday as it began to spread toward a nearby forested mountain.
Oita Mayor Shinya Adachi visited the site and expressed cautious optimism. “The situation could be under control by Wednesday if the source of the fire is extinguished,” Adachi said, according to Kyodo News. However, he warned that “it will likely take several more days before the fire is completely out.”
The rapid spread of the fire was attributed to a combination of factors: a lack of recent rainfall, dry air, and the high density of wooden structures in the neighborhood.
Oita prefectural authorities established a special office to centralize information and monitor the situation. Simultaneously, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications dispatched personnel to the area to assist with emergency tasks.
Following a formal request from the governor for disaster assistance, the Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces deployed helicopters to survey the area from the air and participate in firefighting operations, official sources confirmed.
Keep Independent Journalism Alive
In a world flooded with noise, independent journalism is more vital than ever. We work hard to bring you clear, accurate, and unbiased international news — free from corporate or political influence.If you believe in the power of honest reporting, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, big or small, helps us stay independent and keep the world informed.
Support us via PayPalYour support makes a difference.
