- In the Japanese city of Óita, a large-scale fire broke out near the fishing port.
- The fire damaged or destroyed at least 170 houses and forest area.
- About 260 households were affected.
- The cause of the fire is under investigation; the government promised maximum support.
A massive fire that broke out in the coastal city of Ōita in southwestern Japan has killed at least one person and left another person with minor injuries. the disaster response management office there said on Wednesday. TASR informs about it according to AP and Reuters reports. The fire broke out on Tuesday evening near a fishing port in the city of Óita on the island of Kyushu. Due to the strong wind, the flames quickly spread to the adjacent forest and consumed an area of almost five hectares.
About 175 people had to leave their homes. The fire damaged or completely destroyed at least 170 houses. Óita Prefecture said it was due to a fire on Wednesday afternoon approximately 260 households without electricity. According to Reuters it is the largest urban fire in Japan in nearly 50 years.
About 200 firefighters with dozens of vehicles responded to the scene. The ground armed forces sent UH-1 multi-purpose helicopters to help. The authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted on the X platform expressing sympathy for residents affected by the fire and pledging the government’s “maximum support”.
