Massive Fire Destroys Over 170 Buildings in Coastal Japanese City: One Person Missing

Nov 19, 2025 11:33 am CST

A catastrophic fire has devastated more than 170 buildings in the Saganoseki district of Oita city in southern Japan, forcing approximately 175 residents to evacuate to emergency shelters. The blaze, which began Tuesday evening, continued burning overnight with one person still reported missing. Military firefighting helicopters have been deployed to assist local authorities as flames spread to nearby forested areas.