Massive fire engulfs more than 140 buildings in Niigata Pref city

Nasty, hope they get it under control, horrible way to end the year....

140 buildings! The biggest fire I've heard of here. Hope everyone and their loved ones are safe.

I wonder did they stop Hokuriku Shinkansen service because the fires were too close to Itoigawa Station?

"a total of 17 fire trucks have been deployed.." That can't be right, can it? Was that a misprint? Surely a fire of that size involves more equipment?

@recherch88 - That might have led to the number of houses that burned. They likely gave it their all. I think they responded as best they could, but it spread beyond their ability to handle quickly.

Strong winds and buildings packed tightly together. Agree it's a horrible way to end the year, and I'm glad so far the injuries have been very low. Hope it stays that way.

Hope that this disaster is controlled soon... stay safe Nigatta residents

Sadly it seems the best thing that happened that night was the worst thing about the Niigata coast in winter - the rain.

Sure bet 500 million dollars in "fresh aid" would go a long way to the victims here.

They will get no aid from Abe as he is giving it away to other countries.

Kaganoi, the oldest sake brewery in Niigata established in 1650 was burned down too.

I sure hope that the Chinese place, where the fire is said to have started, has a ton of insurance. Fire laws here are strict and they could be found liable for all the damage.

Fortunately no one died, and I hope the injured recover quickly.

It was super windy yesterday. In Itoigawa, gusts reached 80km/h, from the south too, so dry warm winds.