The southern Japanesecity of Oita saw a fire that resulted in more than 170 buildings being evacuated, with one person in his 70s being missing.

Some 175 residents moved to emergency accommodation after the fire started, local authorities said on Wednesday, with the cause for blaze still under investigation.

One Oita resident told the Japanese broadcaster NHK that the flames turned the city's skies red.

"The wind was strong. I never thought it would spread so much," he said.

What do we know about the fire?

The fire started during strong winds, resulting in it spreading to a nearby forest.

Firefighters were trying to take control of the fire, with parts of the city experiencing power outages as a result.

Footage by local media showed smoke rising the town with some buildings reduced to rubble.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a military helicopter was making its way to the scene at the request of the Oita prefecture governor.

Oita is on the southern island of Kyushu. Located about 770 kilometers (478 miles) from the capital city Tokyo, the hilly coastal city is known for its fishing harbor which produces premium mackerel.

Edited by: Zac Crellin