Oita City Fire has engulfed a large section of Saganoseki district, leaving more than 170 buildings damaged. Officials confirmed that the fire likely started in the northwestern part of the affected area on Tuesday evening.
Strong westerly winds reportedly helped flames spread rapidly, forcing residents to evacuate and complicating firefighting operations. Firefighters struggled to contain the blaze for over 36 hours as thermal imaging surveys revealed multiple high-temperature zones in nearby mountain forests.
Authorities received the first report around 5:40 p.m., and by Thursday morning, the fire had destroyed approximately 48,900 square meters of residential and vacant properties. About 130 households experienced damage, and 108 residents from 70 families took shelter at a local evacuation center.
The Oita prefectural government deployed Self-Defense Force helicopters to assist with aerial firefighting efforts, and drone teams conducted infrared scans to locate remaining hotspots. Meanwhile, ground crews worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to additional residential zones.
Governor Kiichiro Sato, leading the prefectural disaster response headquarters, instructed officials to bring the fire under control by Thursday evening. He personally inspected the burned area and coordinated resource allocation to maximize containment efforts.
Authorities discovered a body in the ruins of Kiyoshi Inagaki’s home, a 76-year-old currently listed as missing. Police are investigating the identification of the deceased while continuing to account for other residents.
Emergency services emphasized the dangers of strong winds and urged residents to remain vigilant. Officials warned that further flare-ups could occur until the blaze is fully extinguished, highlighting the importance of coordinated firefighting measures.
Meanwhile, volunteers and local organizations provided essential support at evacuation centers, offering food, blankets, and medical assistance. Authorities also implemented temporary road closures to ensure safety and enable efficient movement of firefighting vehicles.
The Oita City Fire remains a significant threat to the district, and officials continue monitoring wind conditions closely. Investigators are assessing the cause of the fire while prioritizing safety for residents and firefighters alike.
