Fire crews in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan, are struggling to contain a massive blaze that has destroyed more than 170 homes and buildings in the Saganoseki area of Oita City. Authorities confirmed that a man in his 70s remains missing.
How the Saganoseki Fire Started
The fire began around 5:45 PM on Tuesday after a local resident made an emergency call. Strong winds and the steep, forested terrain surrounding Saganoseki allowed the flames to spread rapidly across a wide residential zone and into nearby forests.
More than 12 hours after the first alert, firefighters are still unable to bring the blaze under control.
More than 170 buildings in Oita City, Japan, have been destroyed after a large-scale fire broke out this evening. Firefighting efforts continue nearly 12 hours later, and a man in his 70s remains uncontactable.pic.twitter.com/4stYQPBF22
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) November 18, 2025
Evacuations and Current Impact
By 11:40 PM on Tuesday, 175 residents from 115 households had evacuated to a nearby community hall.
Local officials have activated the disaster relief law, allowing both national and prefectural governments to cover essential emergency expenses, including shelter operations.
Government Response and Next Steps
Oita Prefecture has set up a dedicated task force to coordinate the response. Officials will meet Wednesday morning to decide on additional measures as the situation continues to unfold.
The affected residential area is located roughly 25 kilometers east of central Oita, near the Saganoseki fishing port. The surrounding mountains have made firefighting operations significantly more difficult, fueling concerns about the fire’s ongoing spread.
