Massive Blaze Engulfs Oita City
A massive fire swept through Oita city in southern Japan on Wednesday, destroying over 170 buildings and claiming one life. The fire erupted in the hilly Saganoseki district, famous for its fishing harbor and premium Seki mackerel. Thick smoke and flames were visible for miles, as firefighting crews and military helicopters worked to control the blaze. Strong winds spread the fire to nearby forested slopes and even an uninhabited island over a kilometer off the coast.
The fire began Tuesday evening and has consumed approximately 48,900 square meters, equivalent to seven soccer fields. Authorities said 175 residents were forced to evacuate to emergency shelters. One death has been reported, and a woman in her 50s was hospitalized with minor burns. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
Government Response and Impact
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed condolences to evacuees and pledged maximum government support. “The government will provide the maximum possible support in collaboration with local authorities,” she posted on X. Around 300 homes in the district are without power, Kyushu Electric Power reported.
Experts say this is the largest urban fire in Japan since a 1976 blaze in Sakata, when excluding earthquake-related fires. For comparison, a 2016 fire in Itoigawa destroyed 147 buildings and 40,000 square meters, but caused no fatalities.
Local residents face challenging conditions as emergency services continue containment efforts. The fire highlights the risks posed by strong winds in densely built coastal areas, as well as the need for rapid disaster response in Japan’s urban centers.
