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Wind-Driven Blaze Ravages Oita’s Saganoseki, Damaging Over 170 Buildings

Officials report ongoing evacuations under disaster-relief measures.

Overview

  • The fire remained uncontained into early Wednesday after igniting Tuesday evening near a fishing port and racing into nearby forested mountains.
  • Authorities evacuated 115 households, or 175 people, to community centers, according to the Oita regional government.
  • A man in his 70s is still unaccounted for, and a woman in her 50s was taken to hospital with breathing difficulties, local officials said.
  • Prefectural leaders enacted the disaster relief law and established a task force, and the governor consulted the Self-Defense Forces for potential support.
  • Damage counts differ, with at least 170 buildings affected and the national fire agency estimating close to 200 homes, while power outages hit about 300 houses.