Oita, Japan, Nov 20(V7N) – A devastating fire swept through the Saganoseki district of Oita City on Wednesday, destroying more than 170 buildings and killing one person, officials said. The blaze, the largest urban fire in Japan in nearly 50 years, forced hundreds of residents to evacuate and prompted a major emergency response.
 
The fire began Tuesday evening and quickly spread across the hilly district, which overlooks a fishing harbor famous for its premium Seki-brand mackerel. Strong winds contributed to the rapid spread, igniting nearby forested slopes and an uninhabited island over one kilometer from the coast. The affected area spans approximately 48,900 square meters, equivalent to roughly seven soccer fields.
 
One person has been confirmed dead, while a woman in her 50s sustained burns and was hospitalized. The whereabouts of other residents are being verified, with authorities continuing search and rescue operations. About 175 residents sought refuge at an emergency shelter in the district. Power outages affected approximately 300 households, according to Kyushu Electric Power.
 
Over 50 fire trucks and disaster response helicopters from Oita and neighboring Kumamoto Prefecture were deployed. The Self-Defense Forces were also requested to assist in firefighting operations.
 
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed condolences to affected residents, stating, “The government will provide the maximum possible support in collaboration with local authorities.”
 
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, with initial reports suggesting the combination of densely packed buildings and strong winds contributed to its rapid escalation.
 
The Saganoseki district, located roughly 770 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, is a key fishing hub and known for its commercial and residential density. Evacuations and emergency management operations remain ongoing as authorities continue to assess the damage.
 
END/WD/AJ/