November 19, 2025
A major fire, exacerbated by strong winds, swept through a residential area in the Saganoseki district of Oita City on Kyushu Island, resulting in one casualty and one injury. The blaze damaged or destroyed at least 170 buildings and necessitated the emergency evacuation of over 170 residents. Over 200 firefighters and the Ground Self-Defence Force worked for about 20 hours to stop the fire, which spread to a nearby forested mountain. Authorities have begun investigating the cause of the fire and may restrict movement around the affected areas.