Japan's Largest Urban Fire in 50 Years Destroys 170 Buildings

Massive Blaze in Oita City Claims One Life

A devastating fire has swept through the Saganoseki district of Oita City in southern Japan, marking the country's largest urban fire in nearly 50 years. The inferno, which began on Tuesday evening, has destroyed more than 170 buildings across approximately 48,900 square meters - an area equivalent to seven soccer fields. One person has been confirmed dead, while 175 residents have been forced to evacuate to emergency shelters.

Rapid Spread and Widespread Destruction

The fire started around 5:40 PM local time in the hilly coastal area and spread rapidly due to strong winds. 'The flames spread in the blink of an eye,' one resident told local media, describing how she had to flee her home without any belongings. The blaze quickly engulfed residential areas and spread to nearby forested slopes, eventually reaching an uninhabited island over one kilometer offshore.

Emergency services deployed 17 fire trucks and more than 200 firefighters to combat the flames. The Japanese military also contributed two helicopters to assist in firefighting efforts. 'It may take several more days to fully extinguish the fire,' Oita Mayor Adachi warned during a press conference.

Impact on Local Community and Economy

The Saganoseki district is known for its fishing harbor, famous for producing premium Seki-brand mackerel that's often served as sashimi. The fire has caused significant damage to the local fishing industry and infrastructure. Approximately 300 homes remain without power as electrical infrastructure was damaged by the blaze.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed condolences to affected families and pledged maximum government support. 'We will provide all necessary assistance to help the community recover from this tragedy,' the Prime Minister stated in an official announcement.

Historical Context and Investigation

This fire represents Japan's most significant urban fire since a 1976 blaze in Sakata, excluding earthquake-related incidents. The cause of the Oita fire remains under investigation by local authorities. Fire officials noted that the combination of dense housing, strong winds, and the hilly terrain created challenging conditions for containment efforts.

As rescue operations continue, displaced residents are receiving emergency aid at local shelters while authorities work to restore power and assess the full extent of the damage. The incident has drawn national attention to fire safety measures in Japan's aging urban areas.