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Japan Fire Engulfs 140 houses, Other Buildings, no Deaths Reported

by Reuters

   TOKYO --

   A fire engulfed about 140 houses, shops and other buildings in a
   Japanese coastal city northwest of Tokyo on Thursday, 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.

   Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Kotaro Nogami said two people were
   slightly injured in the blaze.