Training in Chiba against forest fires after the disaster in Iwate

The Chiba prefecture and the city of Kimitsu organized a forest fire response drill on May 14 at Kōri Dam. Approximately 100 participants, including firefighters and volunteers, conducted practical exercises to improve their coordination. The activity responds to growing concern over these incidents, following the large fire in Ōtsuchi, Iwate, at the end of April, which highlighted the need to strengthen local preparedness.

forest fire drill scene at Kōri Dam in Chiba prefecture, approximately 100 firefighters and volunteers in yellow helmets and fire-resistant suits forming a coordinated water supply line, one crew operating a portable pump connected to a collapsible water tank, another team aiming a hose at a simulated fire zone with smoke canisters, dry grass and scattered pine trees on the hillside, a command post with a tactical map and radio equipment on a folding table, bright daylight, hazy sky, cinematic photorealistic style, dynamic action posture, dust particles in the air, realistic textures of gear and terrain

Drones and digital maps to fight fire 🚁

The exercise included the use of technical tools such as thermal reconnaissance drones to locate active hotspots from the air and digital mapping systems that update fire advance zones in real time. Teams practiced deploying water defense lines from the dam, coordinating supply with high-flow portable pumps. The integration of these technologies aims to reduce response time and improve the safety of firefighters, a critical factor in difficult-to-access terrain like that of Chiba.

A fire doesn't give notice, but volunteers do arrive late 😅

The funny thing about the drill is that, while participants were running around with their hoses and drones, a couple of curious onlookers arrived thinking it was a community barbecue. Seeing the controlled flames and the equipment deployment, one asked if they could grill some sausages over the embers. The organizers explained that the day's menu was only smoke and practice. At least, next time a real fire threatens, they'll know you can't improvise a picnic in the middle of an emergency.