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A massive fire in the Saganoseki district of Oita city in southern Japan destroyed more than 170 buildings and continued burning through the night. Over 175 residents moved to an emergency shelter after the fire began in the early evening earlier this week. One person remains missing, and officials have started an investigation into the cause. Aerial images showed homes reduced to debris, smoke across the hillside, and flames spreading toward nearby forested areas. Local authorities requested support, leading to the deployment of a military firefighting helicopter.
A major fire in the Saganoseki district of Oita city destroyed more than 170 buildings and continued burning through the night, as confirmed by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The incident began in the early evening earlier this week, prompting a large response from local authorities and emergency teams. Advertisement
Officials said that over 175 residents were relocated to an emergency shelter as a safety measure. One person has been reported missing, and search teams are working to trace the individual. The cause of the fire has not yet been identified, and an investigation is underway.
Aerial footage released by local broadcasters showed significant destruction, with many homes reduced to rubble and thick smoke covering the hilly area. The district is located above a fishing harbour known for its Seki-brand mackerel, and visuals indicated that the fire reached close to this part of the community.
Local media also reported that the flames moved into nearby forested slopes, making containment more challenging for ground teams. Emergency workers continued efforts through the night to control the spread and protect surrounding residential clusters.
In response to the growing scale of the fire, the Oita prefecture governor requested additional assistance. Following this request, a military firefighting helicopter was deployed to support ongoing operations. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi later shared an update on X, stating that national support had been extended to the region.
Previous fire incidents in older Japanese coastal towns have highlighted the risks associated with tightly packed wooden structures, and this incident has again drawn attention to these longstanding concerns.
Source Reuters
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