A devastating fire in the southern Japanese city of Oita has claimed one life and ravaged more than 170 buildings, emerging as Japan’s most significant urban fire in nearly five decades. The blaze, which ignited on Tuesday evening, rapidly spread due to strong winds and dry conditions, overwhelming local firefighters and necessitating military assistance.
The fire broke out late on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in the Saganoseki district of Oita, a coastal city on the island of Kyushu. Fueled by strong winds and arid weather, flames quickly engulfed residential areas, with witnesses describing towering pillars of fire that turned the night sky red. Local authorities reported that the inferno spread to nearby forested slopes and even reached an uninhabited island over a kilometer offshore, highlighting the intensity and reach of the disaster.
By Wednesday, the fire had consumed approximately 48,900 square meters, an area equivalent to seven soccer fields, making it the largest urban fire in Japan since a 1976 blaze in Sakata. At least 170 buildings were damaged or destroyed, reducing many homes to rubble and sending thick plumes of smoke into the air. Aerial footage from broadcasters captured the extensive devastation, with firefighters battling ferocious flames throughout the night and into the following day.
The human toll includes one confirmed death, with police finding the body of a 76-year-old man at his home during search operations. Additionally, a woman in her 50s was hospitalized with mild burns, though no other serious injuries have been reported. In response, 188 residents were evacuated to a temporary shelter, where they received aid amid cold conditions, with many expressing shock and fear over the rapid spread of the fire.
Emergency services, including local firefighters and military helicopters, have been deployed in a concerted effort to control the blaze. Helicopters have been dropping water on the flames, particularly in hard-to-reach forested areas, while ground crews work to contain the fire’s advance. Despite these efforts, officials acknowledged that fully extinguishing the fire could take several more days, given its scale and the challenging terrain.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her condolences to affected residents in a social media post, pledging maximum government support in collaboration with local authorities. Oita Mayor Shinya Adachi, who visited the site, indicated that the situation might be brought under control by Wednesday if the source could be extinguished, but emphasized the complexity of the operation. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with initial reports suggesting dry air and congested wooden housing may have contributed to its rapid spread.
This incident marks a rare large-scale urban fire in Japan, which has strict building codes and advanced firefighting systems. Excluding earthquakes, it is the most destructive since the 1976 Sakata fire, underscoring the severity of the event. The fire has also caused power outages affecting around 300 households in the district, adding to the disruption faced by the community.
As of Wednesday, firefighters continue to battle the blaze, with authorities monitoring the situation closely. The focus remains on protecting lives and property, with ongoing assessments of damage and support for evacuees. The event has drawn national attention, highlighting vulnerabilities in urban fire safety and prompting calls for reinforced prevention measures in similar densely built areas.
