Quick summary: A fast-moving fire swept through a neighborhood in Oita, Kyushu, damaging or destroying at least 170 homes and prompting evacuations for more than 170 residents. A man in his 70s is missing and emergency crews, including military helicopters, have been deployed. By midday the active flames had largely died down, but smoke continued to rise over burned areas as authorities searched and assessed damage.
Fast-Moving Fire in Oita Ravages Neighborhood, Damages 170+ Homes; Man Missing
Quick summary: A fast-moving fire swept through a neighborhood in Oita, Kyushu, damaging or destroying at least 170 homes and prompting evacuations for more than 170 residents. A man in his 70s is missing and emergency crews, including military helicopters, have been deployed. By midday the active flames had largely died down, but smoke continued to rise over burned areas as authorities searched and assessed damage.
07:18 AM, 11/19/2025Society
A fast-moving blaze tore through a residential neighborhood in Oita, on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, forcing more than 170 people to evacuate and damaging at least 170 homes.
Officials reported that a man in his 70s remained unaccounted for following the fire. Local authorities and emergency services are conducting search and rescue efforts while continuing to assess the extent of the damage.
The fire began Tuesday evening near a fishing port amid strong winds and quickly spread into a nearby forest, allowing flames to race through the community. Firefighters, supported by Self-Defense Force helicopters, worked through the night and into Wednesday to contain the blaze.
By midday Wednesday, television footage showed columns of smoke rising over areas of burned and damaged houses, although visible orange flames had largely subsided. Residents were urged to follow evacuation orders and avoid re-entering affected neighborhoods until officials confirm they are safe.