Great Fire of Hakodate

The Great Fire of Hakodate (函館大火) is a fire that broke out in Hakodate, Hokkaido in Japan on March 21, 1934. It is one of the worst city fires in Japan.

On March 21, 1934 a fire was started in a house located within the Sumiyoshi area, Hakodate. Over two days, burning debris, fanned by strong winds, set fire to the surrounding areas including a local court, department store, school, and hospital. According to official documents, 2,166 people lost their lives, with 9,485 injured; 145,500 people made homeless and 11,055 buildings lost. A serious fire destroyed around two-thirds of all buildings in Hakodate. This event also led to many residents leaving and subsequently depopulating the city.