Shirakawa-go World Heritage site holds annual fire drill

A fire prevention drill was held to protect traditional thatched-roof houses at a World Heritage village in central Japan. Local volunteer firefighters and residents in Shirakawa Village, Gifu Prefecture, took part in the drill on Sunday.

At 8 a.m., a siren sounded and water gushed from 60 water cannons installed in the Ogimachi district. Curtains of water enveloped the Gassho-style houses to protect them from potential fire damage. Many people flocked to an observation deck overlooking the village to see the rare scenery of arching water against a backdrop of autumn colors. Bonfires and fireworks are prohibited in the district to prevent fire.