Tokyo: A fast moving fire swept through the coastal Saganoseki district of Oita City on Tuesday evening, destroying more than 170 buildings and forcing residents to flee as strong winds pushed flames across homes and nearby forested slopes.

Officials said the fire began around 5:40 p.m. and spread quickly through the neighbourhood, which sits on hilly terrain overlooking a fishing harbour. Around 175 people were moved to emergency shelters as firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze. One person, reported to be a man in his seventies, remains missing.

Aerial footage showed long rows of houses reduced to ashes, with smoke continuing to rise well into Wednesday morning. Fire crews struggled to control the flames as gusty winds carried sparks across narrow streets and toward wooded areas.

The governor of Oita Prefecture requested support from the military, leading to the deployment of a firefighting helicopter to help douse the flames from above. The cause of the fire has not yet been identified, and authorities have begun a detailed investigation.

Local officials said the extent of the damage is severe and that many families have lost their homes. Recovery and rebuilding plans will be announced once the area is fully secured and damage assessments are completed.