More than 170 people were evacuated after a massive fire tore through a neighbourhood in the city of Oita in southwestern Japan on Wednesday morning.
The Associated Press quoted Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency as saying that close to 200 homes have been damaged, and a man in his 70s remains unaccounted for.
The fire began during strong winds on Tuesday evening near a fishing port and quickly spread to a nearby forest in Oita, located on the southern island of Kyushu.
A video on social media showed the out-of-control rage during the wee hours of Wednesday.
Fire RIPS through 170 buildings with over 100 people forced to EVACUATE in Japan — NHK pic.twitter.com/5DNKC4Lw0L
— RT (@RT_com) November 19, 2025
A photo claimed to show the devastation
after the fire spread to multiple buildings in Saganoseki, Oita.
Photo shows some of the devastation after a massive fire spread to more than 170 buildings in Saganoseki, Oita, Japan. – Mainichi Photography pic.twitter.com/Y4F7kv5TEP
— AZ Intel (@AZ_Intel_) November 19, 2025
One resident told Kyodo News Agency she fled in haste without many of her belongings because the fire “spread in the blink of an eye.”
There were no reports of any injuries or casualties yet.
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