Overview
- The blaze began around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday after an emergency call from a local resident.
- Firefighters were still struggling to contain the fire more than 12 hours after it started.
- Prefectural authorities enacted the disaster relief law to fund shelter operations and other essentials.
- At least 175 people from 115 households evacuated to a nearby community hall, officials said.
- One man in his 70s remains unaccounted for as Oita Prefecture set up a task force and planned a Wednesday morning meeting.