A major fire broke out on February 5 around 11:30 AM local time, impacting Nakameguro, located within Tokyo's Meguro Ward. According to the Tokyo Fire Department, the fire started from a two-story residential building and quickly spread to nearby homes, engulfing at least six buildings.
Witnesses reported seeing smoke and flames erupting from the structure, with strong gusts fanning the flames across the densely populated residential area. The Tokyo Police received multiple emergency calls concerning the fire. One caller described the scene, stating, "Fire and smoke can be seen coming from the house."
The initial reports indicated some residents might have been trapped, raising concerns about casualties. Fortunately, it was later confirmed by local news sources, citing information from authorities, "There was initial information about someone being trapped, but they are now confirmed safe."
Firefighters responded rapidly, deploying around 36 fire engines to the site to combat the flames. Over time, the fire covered approximately 120 square meters, burning through multiple properties before firefighters could bring it under control. "The fire has burned approximately 120 square meters, affecting six homes and continues to spread," said a spokesperson from the Tokyo Fire Department.
Despite the scale of the fire, authorities confirmed no injuries occurred during the incident. Residents from the nearby area were evacuated as firefighters worked to contain the situation. "No injuries have been confirmed, but residents were evacuated due to the potential for flames spreading," reported officials. Eyewitness accounts described black smoke billowing from the site and the chaotic scenes of residents hastily removing valuables from homes.
For approximately three hours, firefighters battled the intense blaze, which was made more challenging due to the fire’s rapid spread and the densely constructed neighborhood. The area is noted for its quiet residential streets lined with tight-knit homes.
Emergency services are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which has not yet been disclosed to the public. Thankfully, the heroic efforts of the Tokyo Fire Department ensured the situation did not escalate to catastrophic levels, averting any significant injuries or fatalities.
Currently, the fire is reported to be under control, and firefighting operations are winding down. Residents are slowly returning to assess the damage and receive additional support from local authorities. Each family is now taking stock of their loss and community support is expected to come swiftly.
The incident is under investigation, and as officials work diligently to understand the causes behind this unfortunate event, the focus will shift to ensuring the safety of the impacted residents during this difficult time.