Translation guide
The organization responsible for firefighting, rescue, and emergency services. In Japan, this is typically the 消防署 (shōbōsho) or the broader 消防 (shōbō) system.
Referring to the physical location or the organization as a whole.
The standard term for a fire station or fire department. Use this when talking about the local fire department or its building.
消防署は駅の近くにあります。
The fire department is near the station.
消防署に電話してください。
Please call the fire department.
Refers to firefighting or the fire service in general. Often used in compounds like 消防車 (fire engine) or 消防士 (firefighter). Can also mean the fire department as an organization.
消防がすぐに到着した。
The fire department arrived quickly.
Referring to the firefighters themselves.
Firefighter. Use this when talking about the individuals.
彼は消防士です。
He is a firefighter.
消防士たちが勇敢に火事と戦った。
The firefighters bravely fought the fire.
Fire brigade member; a more formal term for a firefighter, often used for the team as a whole.
消防隊員が救助活動を行った。
The fire department personnel carried out rescue operations.
How to call the fire department in an emergency.
Dial 119 for fire or ambulance in Japan. This is the equivalent of calling the fire department.
火事のときは119番に電話してください。
In case of fire, please call 119 (the fire department).
In Japan, 119 is used for both fire and ambulance services. When you call, you will be asked whether you need fire or ambulance (火事ですか？救急ですか？).