 "A general view shows the scene of a major fire at a residential area in Saganoseki, Oita City late on November 18, 2025. One person was unaccounted for while 175 others were evacuated as a major fire engulfed a residential area in Japan, the local government said on November 19. (Photo by JIJI Press / AFP)")
A huge fire swept through the Saganoseki district of Oita City in southern Japan on Tuesday, destroying at least 170 buildings and killing one person, officials said. The blaze has been called the largest urban fire in Japan in nearly 50 years, excluding fires caused by earthquakes.
The fire began in the evening and spread quickly due to strong winds, engulfing an area of about 48,900 square metres—roughly the size of seven football fields. 175 residents had to evacuate to an emergency shelter as the flames tore through homes and businesses. Thick smoke was seen rising over the city, and flames even reached nearby forested areas and an uninhabited island more than a kilometre offshore.
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Local authorities confirmed that one person died in the fire, while a woman in her 50s was hospitalised with mild burns. Around 300 homes lost power as the fire damaged electrical infrastructure in the district.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed her condolences on X. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to all residents who are evacuating in the cold. The government will provide the maximum possible support in collaboration with local authorities,” she wrote.
Firefighting teams responded immediately, using both ground crews and military helicopters to control the flames. Authorities said the fire was difficult to contain because of the dense housing and the strong winds.
The Saganoseki district is a fishing community known for producing the local Seki-brand mackerel. Many of the affected buildings were homes and small businesses. Residents shared images and videos on social media showing streets covered in thick smoke and flames.
Officials have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire. Investigators are working to determine how it started, while assessing the full scale of the damage.
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View AllThe incident has raised concerns about urban safety in Japan, particularly in areas with tightly packed wooden structures.
Authorities are continuing to assist displaced residents, restore power, and provide emergency aid. Local officials have warned people to avoid the affected area as cleanup and rescue operations continue.