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Devastating Blaze Engulfs Japanese Fishing Town, Leaving One Dead and Scores Displaced
TOKYO – A relentless fire tore through a historic neighborhood of wooden homes in a southwestern Japanese fishing town on Wednesday, claiming one life, injuring another, and forcing over 170 residents to evacuate. Firefighters, aided by army helicopters, battled the inferno for more than a day as it consumed a significant portion of the community.
Authorities in Oita prefecture confirmed that a man in his 70s, initially unaccounted for, was later found deceased, believed to be the missing individual. A woman in her 50s sustained minor injuries.
The scale of the blaze necessitated a massive response, with dozens of fire engines and more than 200 firefighters deployed. The Ground Self-Defense Force dispatched two UH-1 army helicopters to assist in the arduous effort. Town mayor Shinya Adachi, after visiting the scene, indicated that it could take several more days to completely extinguish the fire.
The disaster response team reported that at least 170 homes were either damaged or completely destroyed. The affected residential area, known for its mackerel fishing industry, is situated in the Saganoseki district of Oita City on the southern main island of Kyushu. It is distinct from the prefecture’s popular hot spring resorts and historic thatched-roof houses.
The fire ignited Tuesday evening near a fishing port, exacerbated by strong winds. The blaze quickly spread to a forest, ultimately affecting approximately 4.9 hectares (12 acres), according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. An advisory for strong winds was in effect at the time the fire began.
Firefighting operations were significantly hampered by the narrow backstreets of the neighborhood, which prevented fire engines from accessing certain areas, a firefighter told Kyodo News Agency. The presence of abandoned homes in the rapidly aging and shrinking community also posed challenges.
Residents described the rapid escalation of the fire. A 59-year-old office worker recounted to Kyodo that strong winds were “blowing in all directions,” contributing to the swift spread. Another resident shared that she had to flee quickly, leaving most of her belongings behind, as the fire “spread in the blink of an eye.”
While orange flames were no longer visible by midday Wednesday, Japanese television footage showed extensive smoke rising from the devastated landscape. Approximately 260 homes remained without electricity Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the fire and the factors contributing to its rapid spread. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her sympathy to those affected and pledged “maximum support” in a statement posted on X.