http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...es-other-buildings-but-no-deaths/3387486.html
ASIA PACIFIC
Japan fire engulfs 140 houses, other buildings but no deaths reported
Posted 22 Dec 2016 19:00 Updated 22 Dec 2016 19:19
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TOKYO: A fire engulfed about 140 houses, shops and other buildings in a Japanese coastal city northwest of Tokyo on Thursday (Dec 22), with early reports of just two people suffering injuries.
The military was called in to help battle the blaze which started mid-morning in a residential area of Itoigawa, a three-hour drive from the capital. It showed no sign of slowing as dusk fell, a fire official said.
Evacuation orders had been issued for 363 nearby houses, the official said. No deaths were reported.
"We are doing our best to get this under control, but the wind is still strong," he said.
The blaze started at 10:28 am (0128 GMT) at a restaurant, and a total of 17 fire trucks were deployed in the area.
The fire showed no signs of slowing as dusk fell, said an official. (Photo: AP Images)
The blaze spread quickly due to strong winds, according to public broadcaster NHK.
"Sparks of fire flew around," a man in the neighbourhood told NHK.
"That's why far away buildings unexpectedly caught fire and it became large-scale. I've never seen something like this before."
Japan deployed its military to help battle the blaze. (Photo: AP Images)
Despite the scale of the fire, there were few reported injuries. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kotaro Nogami said two people were slightly injured in the blaze.
Two women in their 40s were lightly injured. One fell sick after inhaling smoke and a prefectural government employee fell and hit her head, according to the fire division official.
- Agencies/nc
ASIA PACIFIC
Japan fire engulfs 140 houses, other buildings but no deaths reported
Posted 22 Dec 2016 19:00 Updated 22 Dec 2016 19:19
ENLARGECAPTION
487 Email More
TOKYO: A fire engulfed about 140 houses, shops and other buildings in a Japanese coastal city northwest of Tokyo on Thursday (Dec 22), with early reports of just two people suffering injuries.
The military was called in to help battle the blaze which started mid-morning in a residential area of Itoigawa, a three-hour drive from the capital. It showed no sign of slowing as dusk fell, a fire official said.
Evacuation orders had been issued for 363 nearby houses, the official said. No deaths were reported.
"We are doing our best to get this under control, but the wind is still strong," he said.
The blaze started at 10:28 am (0128 GMT) at a restaurant, and a total of 17 fire trucks were deployed in the area.
The fire showed no signs of slowing as dusk fell, said an official. (Photo: AP Images)
The blaze spread quickly due to strong winds, according to public broadcaster NHK.
"Sparks of fire flew around," a man in the neighbourhood told NHK.
"That's why far away buildings unexpectedly caught fire and it became large-scale. I've never seen something like this before."
Japan deployed its military to help battle the blaze. (Photo: AP Images)
Despite the scale of the fire, there were few reported injuries. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kotaro Nogami said two people were slightly injured in the blaze.
Two women in their 40s were lightly injured. One fell sick after inhaling smoke and a prefectural government employee fell and hit her head, according to the fire division official.
- Agencies/nc
