20 Japan fire departments spray water together to thank those battling COVID-19

TOKYO -- The Tokyo Fire Department held a simultaneous spraying of water using eight vessels including fireboats off Harumi Wharf in the capital's Chuo Ward on March 7, to call for fire prevention and to cheer on medical workers and others tackling the coronavirus pandemic.

The Kobe City Fire Department called on a simultaneous discharge of water for "firefighting day" on March 7, and about 20 fire departments across the country took part in the event.

The Tokyo Fire Department participated in cooperation with the Tokyo Coast Guard Office and the Metropolitan Police Department, and an electronic bulletin board attached to a coast guard patrol vessel carried a message of support that read, "Thank you to all those fighting against the coronavirus."

A representative of the Tokyo Fire Department said, "I think that spraying water conveyed our feelings of support to cheer up (medical personnel and others)."

(Japanese original by Takuya Suzuki, City News Department)