Fire Protection at Japanese Temples.

[Guest]

This huge wooden building is a typical Japanese temple. There are thousands in Japan.



 

And this is their typical fire protection. The buckets are labelled, "Water for Fire". Every time I see these things I want to post a notice above them, "If this doesn't work, run like hell!".

[fyreline]

It seems almost comically inadequate . . . but I suppose if you stop and think about it, if the amount of water immediately and conveniently available in a few buckets isn't sufficient to extinguish any incipient fire, then chances are that nothing short of a comprehensive retrofitted fire suppression system would even come close to handling the job. The fact that most, if not all of these huge wooden structures are (1) Hundreds of years old, (2) Historical structures of immense cultural and religious significance, and (3) Not likely to be easy to retrofit in any inconspicuous way, all work against anything changing regarding their fire protection. The reality is that Japan, as a nation with countless wooden buildings both commercial and residential, has very strict and very stringently observed fire prevention regulations. The population is well aware that many of them are living in matchboxes, and the laws as I recall make anyone found responsible for a fire to make restitution to everyone affected. They take it very seriously, as they should, and their culture of respect for antiquities probably does as much or more to protect their ancient temples as any modern fire detection and/or suppression system would. it's a matter of attitude. Just my opinion, or course - I'm no expert in Oriental history, culture or fire protection & prevention - but I've met a good number of Japanese fire officials over the years and formed my opinions based on their comments, procedures and concerns. I think their ancient wooden temples are in pretty good hands . . . a nation of citizens who revere them, treasure them and seek to preserve them.

[Guest]

Here's a bit of history about Emperor En'yuu, Japan's 64th emperor, you may find interesting.

 

<b>8 June 976</b>

The Imperial Palace burned down; and the Sacred Mirror was blackened to such an extent that

it reflected no light.

 

<b>31 December 980</b>

The Imperial Palace burned down; and the Sacred Mirror was half destroyed.

 

<b>5 December 982</b>

The Imperial Palace burned down; and the Sacred Mirror was reduced to a lump of

melted metal which was collected and presented to the emperor. (I'll bet he was thrilled)

[fyreline]

LOL - Man, someone really hated that Sacred Mirror . . . or the Imperial Palace . . . or Emperor En'yuu!!!

[firephoto]

How much water is in the buckets? Though I can't see more than 1/4-2/3 into one, it didn't look too full. Just an observation.

 

Scott

[Guest]

How much water is in the buckets? Though I can't see more than 1/4-2/3 into one, it didn't look too full. Just an observation.

 

Scott

 

If the place was on fire, I don't think it would make any difference.

[firephoto]

But of course..