MIE - A fire broke out at a shopping arcade near Ise Jingu in Ise, Mie Prefecture, on the afternoon of August 31, sending red flames and thick black smoke into the air as firefighters continued battling the blaze with no immediate prospect of bringing it under control.
According to the fire department, multiple emergency calls were received shortly after 3 p.m. reporting that stores were on fire at the Meirin Shopping Arcade in Iwabuchi, Ise.
A total of 15 fire engines and other emergency vehicles were dispatched to the scene, and firefighting operations were continuing.
Authorities said there was no indication as of the latest reports of anyone being injured or trapped inside the buildings.
The fire occurred in the shopping district west of Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station.
The Meirin Shopping Arcade, located in front of Ujiyamada Station, contains 26 stores.
The area is also known for its connection to Eiji Sawamura, the legendary former Yomiuri Giants pitcher, whose birthplace once stood near the shopping arcade.
Inside the arcade is a tourist attraction known as the Zenryoku Stone, or Full-Power Stone, which is inscribed with words attributed to Sawamura.
Source: CBC















