TOKYO, Nov. 19 (Xinhua) -- A man in his 70s was missing as an out-of-control fire has burned through a neighborhood in Oita City in southwestern Japan, with more than 170 buildings damaged, local media reported Wednesday.
Fire officials received an emergency call at about 5:45 p.m. local time on Tuesday that the fire broke out in Saganoseki district of the southwestern Japanese city, Kyodo News reported.
The fire spread widely during strong winds, engulfing the dense residential area located northeast of Saganoseki fishing port and burning surrounding forests, the report said.
Firefighters continued to battle the blaze Wednesday morning, which has forced 175 people from 115 households to shelter at a nearby community hall. ■
