A fire broke out in Japan’s southern city of Oita, resulting in the evacuation of more than 170 buildings, while a man in his 70s is missing.
About 175 residents moved into emergency housing after the fire, local officials said Wednesday, adding that the cause of the fire was still under investigation.
A resident of Oita told Japanese broadcaster NHK that the flames had turned the city’s sky red.
“The wind was strong. I never thought it would spread so much,” he said.
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The fire broke out during high winds, resulting in it spreading into the nearby forest.
Firefighters are trying to control the fire, which has resulted in power outages in parts of the city.
Local media footage showed smoke billowing over the city and some buildings reduced to rubble.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a military helicopter was headed to the scene at the request of the governor of Oita Prefecture.
Oita is on the southern island of Kyushu. Located about 770 kilometers (478 mi) from the capital Tokyo, the mountainous coastal town is known for its fishing port that produces premium mackerel.
Edited by: Zack Crellin