Eastern Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture was struck by devastation Friday when a ferocious fire engulfed five homes in Ashikaga, killing two people and leaving one man critically burned. Four of the houses were completely gutted, with the fifth sustaining major structural damage.
According to reports, the fire department was alerted at about 7 a.m. to smoke rising from a house in a quiet neighborhood. Crews battled the intense flames for nearly four hours before extinguishing them. The scale of destruction was immense, turning family homes into smoldering ruins.
Amid the wreckage, police discovered the remains of two individuals, their identities yet to be confirmed. A 60-year-old resident escaped with burns and is under hospital care. Investigators are delving into possible causes, from electrical faults to other ignition sources.
Compounding concerns, a separate wildfire broke out Thursday on Mount Ogi near Unohara in Yamanashi. Locals spotted smoke at 10:45 a.m., and the fire has since expanded across the mountainous area. Helicopters are aiding ground efforts hampered by steep slopes and dry weather.
Yamanashi authorities had warned of fire risks due to scant rainfall and arid air. This follows a pattern: in December last year, a high-rise fire in Niigata left multiple people injured, highlighting persistent safety challenges in Japan’s urban and rural landscapes alike. The nation mourns the losses while bracing for more threats.
