What is the name and location of the wildfire?
As of November 20, 2025, the Oita City Fire is controlled in the coastal city of Oita, on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu (1).
The blaze started Tuesday evening near a fishing port in the Saganoseki district and spread quickly through residential areas and nearby forested slopes due to strong winds. One person has died and more than 170 homes and structures were damaged or destroyed (2.)
Which cities or areas are affected by the Oita City Fire?
The fire affected neighborhoods within Oita City, particularly the Saganoseki district near the fishing harbor.
Surrounding residential blocks, hilly forested areas, and communities near the port experienced widespread structural damage, smoke impacts, and power outages. Evacuation shelters were opened as homes smoldered and authorities assessed further risks in nearby neighborhoods (3).
What is the current containment status of the Oita City Fire?
As of November 20, 2025, authorities have determined that the fire has been contained. Firefighters, more than 200 personnel, and two Ground Self-Defense Force helicopters are working to suppress the flames, which burned through the night and continued producing smoke Wednesday morning (4).
Strong winds and densely built residential areas complicated containment efforts, though open flames have reduced since early morning footage (5).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Around 175 residents from the Saganoseki district were evacuated to emergency shelters as the fire spread rapidly “in the blink of an eye,” according to local accounts.
Authorities evacuated more than 170 buildings. Shelters remain open, and residents are advised to stay away from affected zones while officials investigate the cause and monitor remaining hotspots (6).
Protect yourself from wildfire smoke
See how a wildfire smoke air purifier can help clean your air.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
As of November 20, 2025, this fire is contained.
