Kojimachi Fire Station’s self-defense fire-training review was held on the 24th in Kitanomaru Park No. 3 parking lot. It was “rain or shine”; officials watched the sky, but luckily it stayed dry during the review. Teams of three; one team from Palaceside Building’s Mainichi Building Self-Defense Fire Corps took part, the rest cheering.
This year 46 teams from 36 workplaces, including seven women’s teams. The weather swung from sudden sun to rain clouds about to weep, but they worked hard through the morning. Fires in the Kojimachi district as of June 20 this year: 21. Last year saw 39 in the full year, so the pace is, sadly, the same. Fires do not fall easily. The top cause in the district last year was electrical, 16 of 39; second was cigarettes, 8.
The review is held yearly by each fire station to raise the skill of self-defense teams at large workplaces. The scenario is an earthquake with injuries and fire; scoring is how quickly and correctly the team goes from rescue to extinguishing. The three members line up with heels on the start line. At “begin training” the commander moves. In position, at “earthquake — protect yourselves” they duck under a desk and put on helmet and gloves. Scoring is strict from whether helmet and gloves are properly worn; rushing them on costs heavily. Then initial attack with an extinguisher; hose out and indoor hydrant water — drill form will weigh heavily. Injured rescue is also judged: a test of overall corps ability.
The Mainichi Building Self-Defense Fire Corps showed the fruit of daily training as one of the top-level teams (photos). Runners-up four years ago, champions three years ago — a “powerhouse” — but this time they could not give their all.
At Palaceside Building, including tenants, we hold the New Year’s dezome, spring and autumn comprehensive fire drills, and, with partner firms, repeated earthquake-response drills.