Tokyo Nov 20: A fire in southwestern Japan’s Oita city killed one person, injured another, and forced over 170 residents to evacuate. The blaze, fueled by strong winds, destroyed or damaged at least 170 homes and spread to a nearby forest, affecting about 12 acres. Firefighters, more than 200 personnel, and two army helicopters battled the fire for nearly 20 hours. A man in his 70s was found dead, and a woman in her 50s sustained minor injuries. Around 260 homes remained without electricity. Authorities are investigating the cause. The affected neighborhood is near Oita’s fishing port, away from tourist hot springs. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed sympathy and pledged maximum support, while residents described fleeing quickly as the fire spread “in the blink of an eye.”Tokyo Nov 20: A fire in southwestern Japan’s Oita city killed one person, injured another, and forced over 170 residents to evacuate. The blaze, fueled by strong winds, destroyed or damaged at least 170 homes and spread to a nearby forest, affecting about 12 acres. Firefighters, more than 200 personnel, and two army helicopters battled the fire for nearly 20 hours. A man in his 70s was found dead, and a woman in her 50s sustained minor injuries. Around 260 homes remained without electricity. Authorities are investigating the cause. The affected neighborhood is near Oita’s fishing port, away from tourist hot springs. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed sympathy and pledged maximum support, while residents described fleeing quickly as the fire spread “in the blink of an eye.”