Not only during fires, but also in disaster prevention awareness activities, the local «volunteer fire corps» plays a vital role. However, there is a shortage of personnel for this role. This region is also facing a serious situation.
On the 1st, a ceremony was held in Naka Ward, Nagoya.
Among those present was Nagoya Grampus’ official mascot, «Grampus-kun,» but the main attraction was this «bus.»
On its body, the words «Volunteer Fire Corps Recruitment» were written in large letters.
Behind this desperate PR effort is a severe «shortage of members.»
The «volunteer fire corps» is responsible for local disaster prevention.
Unlike full-time firefighters stationed at fire departments, this organization consists of part-time members who rush to the scene from their homes or workplaces during fires or large-scale disasters.
Generally, anyone aged 18 or older can join their local volunteer fire corps regardless of gender or occupation, but the number of members is decreasing nationwide.
Currently, Nagoya has 4,995 volunteer fire corps members.
The number considered sufficient for effective operations is 6,845, meaning there is a shortage of 1,850 people.
In Naka Ward, Nagoya, we visited the Matsubara Volunteer Fire Corps, which serves the «Matsubara school district.»
Against a full capacity of 25 members, the current number is 21.
It is said that the situation of being below capacity has continued for a long time. Furthermore—
«Compared to the past, the aging and reduction of members is the biggest concern.»
The retirement age for the volunteer fire corps is 75, and the current leader, who is 72, will retire in about two years.
The Matsubara Volunteer Fire Corps is primarily active with members around 60 years old.
It is expected that more members will retire due to reaching the age limit in the future.
«What is particularly concerning now is a large-scale disaster. With a small number of volunteer firefighters, the range of activities that can be carried out is limited, so what kind of response can we provide when it really matters?»
While the volunteer fire corps has an image of being community-based, with local residents participating, to secure members, they also accept those who can only be active «during the daytime.»
«Some members work in the Matsubara school district during the day and return home at night. There are actually members who live not in Naka Ward but in more distant areas like Midori Ward or Kita Ward. In return, members living here are expected to respond even late at night—this is how roles are divided.»
Q: «Even with limited time, if I can help within my capacity when needed, is that acceptable?»
«That’s exactly it.»
This region is also required to prepare for a potential Nankai Trough earthquake.
While securing volunteer fire corps members remains a challenge, there is active participation among this group of young people: the «student volunteer fire corps.»
The «student volunteer fire corps» is organized by university.
Unlike local volunteer fire corps, they do not participate in firefighting; their main activities are disaster prevention guidance, publicity, and awareness campaigns.
In Nagoya, it consists of branches from eight universities in the city, with 112 members currently enrolled.
Some branches have even reached their full membership capacity.
One reason for this is job hunting.
Students who have been active for more than one year receive an «Activity Certification Certificate» from the mayor.
Since their activities
