In a tragic incident that shook eastern Japan, a massive blaze ripped through Ashikaga city in Tochigi Prefecture on Friday morning, claiming two lives and reducing four homes to ashes. One additional house suffered severe damage in the fire that raged for over three hours.
Firefighters received an emergency call around 7 a.m. local time reporting thick smoke billowing from a residential area. Despite their valiant efforts, it took approximately three and a half hours to bring the flames under control. The inferno devastated four structures completely, while the roof of a fifth was heavily compromised.
Police investigations revealed two charred bodies amid the debris of the burned homes. A 60-year-old man was also found with serious burns and is receiving medical attention. Authorities are working tirelessly to identify the victims and determine the exact cause of the fire, which remains under probe.
This disaster comes amid a series of fire incidents across Japan. Just a day earlier, a wildfire erupted on Mount Ogi in Yamanashi Prefecture’s Unohara city. Reported around 10:45 a.m., the flames continue to spread through the forested hillside, complicating access for ground crews due to the rugged terrain.
Firefighting helicopters have been deployed to combat the blaze from the air, as dry conditions and low rainfall have heightened risks in the region. Unohara officials had previously issued alerts warning of potential forest fires.
Looking back, Japan has seen multiple fire tragedies recently. Last December, a blaze in a 10-story apartment building in Niigata city’s Chuo Ward injured several residents, underscoring the nation’s ongoing vulnerability to such emergencies. As investigations continue, communities remain on high alert.