Ibaraki Shimotsuma's fire brigade withdrawal from participation in the maneuvering tournament
As the number of fire brigade members renews to a record low and the shortage of workers increases, a fire brigade in Ibaraki Prefecture will take part in a competition in which fire brigades nationwide compete every year to reduce the burden on members. , Decided not to participate. An expert said, "It is time to consider how a fire brigade should be, although there are not many examples nationwide."
The `` Fire Fighting Maneuver Competition '', which is held every year with fire brigades from various locations participating, is a traditional event that competes on the accuracy and speed of water discharge technology using pumps, which will raise the level of technology and improve unity power , National conventions are also held.
However, the fire brigade in Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture, decided that they would not participate in the tournament in the future because the training burden for the tournament was heavy and there was a risk that members could not be secured. understood.
The number of members of the fire brigade continues to decrease year by year, and last year, the number was reduced to 830,000, the shortest in the past. Two towns participated in the competition last year, even in Nagano Prefecture. Has been canceled.
Professor Shozo Nagata of Kansai University, who is familiar with firefighting administration, said, "There are not many examples nationwide, but it is time to consider how a firefighting team should be. Considering the shape of a fire brigade that matches the local situation It should be. "
Japan Fire Association "Call for Participation"
The Japan Fire Association, which hosts the National Fire Fighting Maneuver Competition, said, `` We know that there are fire brigades that will cancel their participation due to the burden, but the maneuvering tournament is an important tournament that is the basic and basic fire brigade. It is ultimately the decision of each fire brigade whether or not to participate, but some fire brigades value the tournament and want to continue calling for participation. " is.
In addition, it has been decided that the national firefighting maneuvering convention scheduled in October will be canceled due to the effect of the new coronavirus.
Expert "Many fire brigades struggle to participate"
Professor Shozo Nagata of the Faculty of Social Security, Kansai University, who is familiar with firefighting administration, said, "Operation training is reasonable in securing firefighting skills and safety management for members, and the existence of the tournament maintains the morale of members. However, while the shortage of members, especially securing young members, has become a national issue, many fire brigades are now struggling to participate in the Games. There is a possibility that the move to quit will spread nationwide. "
Then, "With this as it is, there is no stopping the reduction in the number of members and there is a risk that the fire brigade will be lost. In the wake of a series of large-scale disasters, the role of the fire brigade in the area is increasing and the fire brigade will be eliminated It's time to think seriously about how to keep the fire brigade and what the fire brigade should be. "