Fire in Japan destroys 170 homes, leaves one dead and forces evacuation in Oita

A large fire hit the city of Oita, in southern Japan, this Wednesday (19), leaving one person dead, another injured and forcing more than 170 residents to leave their homes. The flames started on Tuesday night (18), driven by strong winds in the region close to a fishing port on the island of Kyushu.

A man aged approximately 70 had been reported missing. Hours later, rescue teams found a body, possibly his. A woman, around 50 years old, suffered minor injuries, according to the Oita prefectural disaster response team.

Fighting the fire mobilized dozens of fire trucks, more than 200 agents and helicopters from the Self-Defense Forces. Even after almost 20 hours of operation, the fire was still not completely under control. Authorities reported that around 170 homes were damaged or completely consumed by the flames.

The flames also advanced into a forested area, destroying approximately 4.9 hectares, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. City hall reported that around 260 homes remained without power on Wednesday afternoon.

Images from Japanese broadcasters showed wide areas filled with smoke and debris, with homes destroyed or seriously damaged. Residents reported how quickly the fire spread. A woman interviewed by the Kyodo agency said she fled “in the blink of an eye”, taking only what she could carry.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi lamented what happened in a post on the social network X, offering condolences to the victims and guaranteeing that the government will provide “all necessary support”. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.