OITA, Japan, Nov 21 (V7N) – A massive fire that erupted Tuesday in the Saganoseki district of Oita City is believed to have started in the northwestern part of the burned zone, according to city fire officials. Strong westerly winds, in effect under an advisory at the time, accelerated the spread of the blaze, which remained uncontained more than a day and a half after it began.

The fire was first reported around 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday. By Thursday morning, the burned area had expanded to approximately 48,900 square meters, destroying or damaging more than 170 structures, including numerous vacant houses. Authorities estimate that about 130 households have been affected. As of 7 a.m. Thursday, 108 residents from 70 households had taken refuge in an evacuation center.

A thermal imaging survey conducted Wednesday night by the Oita prefectural government, using drones equipped with infrared cameras, detected multiple high-temperature hotspots scattered throughout surrounding mountain forests. Firefighting efforts intensified from early Thursday, with Self-Defense Force helicopters joining local crews.

During a meeting at the prefectural disaster response headquarters, Gov. Kiichiro Sato urged officials to bring the fire under control by the end of the day. He later inspected the areas closest to the fire zone.

Authorities also revealed that a body was discovered among the ruins of the home of 76-year-old Kiyoshi Inagaki, who remains unaccounted for. The prefectural police are working to confirm the identity of the deceased, whom they suspect may be Inagaki.

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