How to contact the fire department
If a fire breaks out, shout out to let the neighbors know and contact the fire department to send a fire engine (Tel. 119).
It is dangerous to try to extinguish a fire alone.

When calling the fire department (119), remain calm. Tell the officer (1) there is a fire, (2) where it is (address or some landmarks), and (3) what is on fire.
When you hear the siren of the fire engine, come out to meet it and guide it to the scene of the fire.

The telephone call to the fire department is a free call. ￥10 coins or telephone cards are not necessary when calling from a public telephone.

In order to remain calm when you make the call, it is a good idea to keep a note near your telephone, in hiragana or Roman letters, of your name, address and the names of some recognizable buildings, etc. near your residence.


When calling the fire department from a mobile phone
(1)    When calling from a mobile phone, be sure to give the location (address) of where the call is being made from and the mobile phone number. If you do not know the address, use some buildings, etc. which can indicate the location, or call from the nearest public telephone.
(2)    It may be necessary for the fire department to call you back to check the location or circumstances, so after you have contacted the fire department, do not switch off the phone and remain at the scene.
(3)    If you are driving a car, stop the car in a safe place before making the call.


FAX 119
The FAX (facsimile) number is 0120-119221 (freecall).


Risai Shomei-sho (Disaster Victim Certificate)
It is necessary to have a Risai Shomei-sho (Disaster Victim Certificate) when applying for tax deductions or tax reprieve, etc. for victims of a fire disaster. Application forms for a Risai Shomei-sho may be obtained from your city, ward, town or village office or fire department.


Note 1   For details, ask a person who understands Japanese to enquire for you at  your city, ward, town or village office or fire department office.

Note 2   The information given is that confirmed as of July 2002. Note that a new system or system revisions may have been introduced after this date.

This information is from the CLAIR website. The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) was established in July 1988 in response to rising concerns about local level internationalization in Japan.