The flames spread in an instant, robbing residents of the city of Oita's Saganoseki district in southwest Japan of the foundations of their daily lives. The recent disaster has starkly exposed the dangers inherent in densely built residential neighborhoods.

A week has passed since that massive fire broke out. Nearly 50,000 square meters were burned. About 170 buildings were destroyed, and one resident lost his life. The fire spread to forests and even nearby islands and has yet to be fully extinguished.

The blaze is the largest urban fire in recent years outside of those caused by earthquakes, surpassing a 2016 fire in Itoigawa, Niigata Prefecture, which destroyed 147 buildings.

More than 100 people, many of them elderly, are now sheltering in a community center. Their evacuation is expected to be prolonged, and every effort must be made to support them.

Saganoseki is a historic fishing settlement in Oita Prefecture known for its prized "seki-aji" and "seki-saba" (types of horse mackerel and mackerel, respectively). The impact on local livelihoods is also a concern. Comprehensive measures are needed to support the community's recovery.

The fire broke out in an area where wooden houses stood tightly packed on narrow flatland. The tight roads prevented fire trucks from entering, making firefighting efforts difficult. At the time of the fire, a strong wind advisory was in effect. The flames, fanned by the gale, spread rapidly, and flying embers are believed to have caused damage over a wide area.

One risk factor identified in the spread of the fire was vacant houses. These often go untended, making it easy for flames to catch on overgrown grass and trees in the gardens. Such abandoned homes are increasingly common in this region, which is experiencing rapid population decline. Vacant houses not only pose a risk of collapse but can also worsen living conditions. Yet, due to the cost, demolition has not progressed.

After the Itoigawa fire, that city widened roads and installed large fire cisterns. Lessons must be learned from the circumstances that led to the spread of the Oita conflagration and applied to the area's reconstruction.

There are many areas across Japan with densely clustered wooden houses. Authorities must draw on these lessons and implement countermeasures with the understanding of locals.

Early firefighting is crucial to minimizing damage. However, local volunteer fire brigades are shrinking due to aging and heavy workloads. Creative solutions are needed to sustain these organizations.

As the air grows drier and the use of heating appliances increases in the winter months, fire risks will rise. Each of us must remain vigilant and practice fire safety.