FIRE IN SOUTHWESTERN JAPAN DAMAGES 170 HOMES, PROMPTS EVACUATIONS. (PHOTO).

 Fire in southwestern Japan damages 170 homes, prompts evacuations

TOKYO, JAPAN - A major fire tore through a neighborhood of old wooden homes in a fishing town in southwestern Japan on Wednesday, leaving one person dead, another injured, and prompting the evacuation of more than 170 residents. Firefighters and army helicopters worked to contain the blaze, which continued to burn for more than a day after it began.

Authorities reported that a man in his 70s was initially missing, and a body believed to be his was later discovered. A woman in her 50s sustained minor injuries. The firefighting effort involved over 200 personnel and dozens of fire engines, with two UH-1 helicopters from the Ground Self-Defense Force providing aerial support. Oita City Mayor Shinya Adachi said it could take several more days before the fire is fully extinguished.

The fire damaged or destroyed at least 170 homes in the Saganoseki district, a coastal area known for mackerel fishing, though it did not reach the region’s hot spring resorts or historic thatched-roof structures. Strong winds on Tuesday evening contributed to the rapid spread of the flames, which also reached a nearby forest covering roughly 4.9 hectares (12 acres). Firefighters faced challenges navigating narrow alleyways lined with old wooden houses, as well as abandoned properties in the aging neighborhood.

Residents described fleeing quickly with few belongings as the fire “spread in the blink of an eye.” Japanese media showed smoke rising from large areas of damaged homes, while about 260 houses remained without power on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire and the factors behind its rapid spread. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed sympathy for those affected and pledged to provide “maximum support” to the community.