2025 Ōita fire
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| Native name | 大分市大規模火災 |
|---|---|
| Date | November 18, 2025 |
| Location | Saganoseki, Ōita, Japan |
| Coordinates | 33°14′51″N 131°52′49″E / 33.2476°N 131.8804°E |
| Type | Conflagration |
| Deaths | 1 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 1 |
| Missing | 1 |
| Property damage | 170+ buildings destroyed |
The 2025 Ōita fire was a large-scale urban fire that broke on 18 November 2025 in the Saganoseki district of Ōita, on the island of Kyushu, Japan. The fire destroyed over 170 buildings, burned approximately 48,900 m², forced the evacuation of 175 residents, and resulted in at least one confirmed death. It is widely reported as Japan's largest urban fire since 1976, excluding earthquake related fires.[1][2]
Overview
[edit]The fire was first reported at approximately 5:45 p.m. local time, when a resident in Saganoseki contacted emergency services after observing flames in a house. Strong coastal winds contributed to the spread of the fire from house to house in the densely built neighborhood, where narrow roads limited firefighting access. The fire extended into nearby forested slopes and reached a nearby uninhabited island more than 1 km offshore, likely carried by wind. Firefighting operations involved over 200 personnel, multiple fire engines, and support from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, including at least two helicopters.[3] The Ōita prefectural government established an emergency operations center, and the national government established a liaison office within its crisis-management framework. The fire is described as the largest non-earthquake urban fire in Japan in nearly 50 years since 1976. Reports have compared it to a 1976 blaze in Sakata.[1][4] The official cause of the fire is still under investigation.[5][6] Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed sympathy to residents who were evacuated.[2]
Impact
[edit]- At least 170 buildings were damaged or destroyed.[7]
- Burned area estimated at 48,900 m2.[8]
- 175 residents evacuated to a community shelter.
- Power outages affected up to 350 homes, around 270 homes remained without power the next day.
- A man in his 70s was killed and a woman in her 50s sustained minor injuries.[9]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Japan's biggest fire in nearly 50 years ravages 170 buildings, kills one".
- ^ a b "Japan's largest fire in 50 years destroys 170 buildings and kills one". Energy News. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ español, MARI YAMAGUCHI Leer en (2025-11-19). "Fire burning in southwestern Japan damages 170 homes and forces evacuations". AP News. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ "Japan's biggest fire in nearly 50 years ravages 170 buildings, kills one". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ Hernon, Matthew (2025-11-19). "Huge Fire Burns 170 Buildings in Oita". Tokyo Weekender. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ "Large-Scale Fire Spreads to Over 170 Buildings in Oita". newsonjapan.com. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ "Japan's largest urban fire in decades rips through 170 buildings". www.bbc.com. 2025-11-19. Retrieved 2025-11-19.
- ^ "Japan's biggest fire in nearly 50 years ravages 170 buildings, kills one".
- ^ "Fire Burns Over 170 Buildings, Kills 1 in Oita". nippon.com. 2025-11-19. Retrieved 2025-11-19.