A quiet night in southern Japan turned into a race for survival as a massive fire swept through a residential district in Oita, forcing 175 residents to flee their homes while authorities continue searching for one missing person.
Local officials confirmed that firefighters battled relentlessly through the night as the flames leapt from house to house before surging into a nearby forested mountain. The fire’s intensity and shifting winds made containment extremely difficult, according to public broadcaster NHK.
Dramatic footage showed towering flames swallowing homes, with emergency teams desperately working to keep the fire from advancing further. Families were rushed to a temporary evacuation centre, many bringing only the bare essentials.
One resident described the terrifying moment the blaze intensified.
“The flames rose high, turning the sky red. The wind was strong. I never thought it would spread so much,” he told NHK.
Another evacuee shared how little time they had:
“The mountain behind us was burning. I just grabbed my driver’s license and smartphone.”
The fire broke out late yesterday, triggering the immediate evacuation of 115 households, affecting at least 170 buildings. Oita’s governor has already requested military support as the battle to contain the blaze continues.
Authorities also reported that 300 homes remain without power, heightening concerns as emergency crews race to restore safety and stability across the affected district.
With one person still missing and families displaced, Oita stands at a critical moment, facing both loss and uncertainty as the community rallies together in the aftermath of the destruction.
