On the night of March 3, 2025, firefighters battled a significant blaze at the 'Chukan TRC' industrial waste disposal factory located in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture. The fire, which is still being extinguished as of the time of reporting, began just before 9 PM, according to local police and fire department reports.
Witnesses living nearby reported alarming conditions, stating, "The factory is glowing red. I hear explosions,” leading to immediate action from firefighters who dispatched around 11 fire engines to combat the inferno.
Tragically, as the situation escalated, it was revealed approximately 6,000 square meters of the facility had been completely destroyed. The flames engulfed the structure along with substantial amounts of lumber stored on-site.
Despite the severity of the fire, authorities were relieved to confirm no injuries or emergencies arose from the incident, as there were no individuals present inside the factory at the time of the fire. Local officials have also stated there was no report of toxic gas emissions from the site.
The location of the fire is strategically placed about 350 meters northwest of the Ichishi-Ono Interchange on the Ise Expressway, positioned within an area affected by traffic blockages due to emergency response efforts.
Firefighters remained committed to extinguishing the blaze well beyond 9 PM. Reports indicate firefighting activities lasted approximately 11 hours. Besides addressing the flames, local police are monitoring the situation to manage any public safety issues, including preventing access to affected roads.
This incident highlights the continuing concerns for workplace safety surrounding industrial facilities handling hazardous materials. Authorities are expected to conduct inspections to assess compliance with safety regulations as part of their follow-up response.
The area around Tsu City has experienced other industrial incidents, raising discussions about safety measures necessary to protect both workers and local residents from potential disasters.
Investigations will likely follow to ascertain the cause of the fire, including examining if any procedural flaws or equipment failures occurred leading up to this incident. A thorough investigation will be important to provide answers and mitigate future risks.
For now, local emergency services remain vigilant and committed to ensuring community safety as they continue to monitor the aftermath of the factory fire.