A massive fire swept through Oita city in southwestern Japan on Wednesday morning, forcing more than 170 residents to evacuate.
The blaze began on Tuesday evening near a fishing port during strong winds. It quickly spread to a nearby forest and engulfed residential areas in Oita, located on the southern island of Kyushu.
According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, the fire damaged close to 200 homes. Officials reported that a man in his 70s remains unaccounted for.
Videos shared on social media captured the uncontrollable flames raging through the night. Photographs from Saganoseki showed widespread devastation, with more than 170 buildings reduced to charred remains.
Residents described the terrifying speed of the fire. One woman told Kyodo News Agency that she fled without many of her belongings because the flames “spread in the blink of an eye.”
Authorities deployed firefighters and emergency teams to contain the blaze. However, strong winds complicated operations and fueled the rapid spread.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of coastal communities to wind-driven fires. Local officials stressed the importance of preparedness and urged residents to remain cautious during extreme weather conditions.
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