Editorial

15:41 JST, August 22, 2025

Why did a fire result in firefighters losing their lives? It is necessary to closely examine the process of firefighting activities. The structure and equipment of the buildings must also be investigated urgently.

A total of 100 square meters at two neighboring multi-tenant buildings — one a seven-story building and the other a six-story one — was burned in Dotonbori, one of the busiest commercial areas in Osaka City. Two firefighters from the Osaka Municipal Fire Department died while fighting the fire.

The two firefighters, equipped with air tanks, entered the first floor of the seven-story building with another firefighter. While they were tackling the blaze on the fifth floor, the ceiling collapsed and the two were stranded on the sixth floor. Both died of asphyxiation. They are believed to have been killed just over 10 minutes after arriving at the scene. The other firefighter........

© The Japan News