No.44 Observation of Fire Brigade Basic Training

(Inagi Newsletter July 15, 2015 issue)

On May 17, 2015, I had the opportunity to visit the site of regular education training as a form of encouragement for the fire brigade. This training was practical, using a building scheduled for demolition within the former Omaru No. 1 Municipal Housing. Normally, opportunities for fire brigade members to train inside actual buildings are rare, so it was a valuable experience for me as well.
In fact, before the construction of the currently completed high-rise Toei Omaru Apartments, it seems that there was a training session held by renting a building scheduled for demolition, similar to this time, but at that time, destruction and water spraying were not allowed.
However, this time there are no specific conditions regarding the use of the buildings scheduled for demolition, and it was stated that destruction and water spraying are possible within the scope necessary for training.
The training scenario involved a fire breaking out in the second-floor living quarters, with water being sprayed from the south balcony direction and breaching the north entrance door to enter and spray water, making it a practical exercise. The iron entrance door was cut with engine cutters deployed to each division, after which the lock was released, and the fire hose was extended from the stairs to enter the room and spray water. All members of the participating divisions 1 to 8 were able to experience this training.
Since the occurrence of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the city has been strengthening the provision of various equipment to the fire brigade, but the key to disaster response is, after all, skilled personnel.
It is reassuring for the citizens that young people, who engage in the fire brigade while managing their regular jobs, can further enhance their skills through such advanced training.
Although it is May before the start of the rainy season, the sunlight is dazzling from the morning. I would like to express my deep respect to all the members who worked seriously while wearing fireproof clothing and sweating, and I would like to once again thank the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Urban Development for kindly providing the facilities this time.