A fire broke out at a shipbreaking site in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, on Thursday, consuming decommissioned ships and scrap materials [1].

Industrial fires at ship-recycling facilities pose significant risks due to the presence of volatile materials and the proximity of other vessels in port. The scale of the response indicates the potential for rapid spread within the industrial zone.

The blaze was reported around 12:50 p.m. [1], though some reports place the time just before 1 p.m. [2]. The fire occurred on the grounds of Nakamoto Ship Industry in the Ondo-cho district of Kure [3].

Emergency responders deployed a significant number of units to contain the blaze. Reports on the scale of the deployment vary, with one source stating 11 fire engines were dispatched [4], while another reported 16 engines were on the scene [2].

Fire officials said the flames spread from the scrap materials to other vessels stationed in the port [2]. Despite the intensity of the fire, no injuries have been reported [1].

Firefighting efforts continued throughout the afternoon. Authorities have not yet identified the cause of the ignition, though the direct fuel source was the accumulation of abandoned ships and industrial waste [1, 5].

"16 fire engines have been dispatched and firefighting activities are currently underway," a fire official said [2].

“No injuries have been reported.”

This incident highlights the inherent dangers of shipbreaking operations, where the concentration of combustible scrap and old hulls can lead to rapid-fire spread. The discrepancy in the number of responding units suggests a scaling emergency response as the fire moved from the scrapyard to active port vessels.