World's largest fish market in Japan on fire

A fire broke out outside the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo yesterday afternoon (August 3), with no casualties reported yet.

Fire broke out in a restaurant area outside the fish market. Photo: Reuters.

A fire broke out at the world's largest fish market, Tsukiji, in Tokyo, Japan, around 5 p.m. on August 3. About 30 fire engines were dispatched to the scene, but efforts to contain the blaze were hampered by narrow streets and close-packed buildings, according to Reuters.

The fire started outside the main market, where many fresh seafood and sushi restaurants serve visitors, then spread to four buildings, covering an area of ​​more than 200 square meters.².

The wholesale seafood stalls and tuna auctions inside the market were not affected by the fire. According to local media, no one was injured or trapped inside.

The Tsukiji fish market, built in 1935, welcomes thousands of visitors and is part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's economic development plan. However, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said the 80-year-old fish market needs to be rebuilt because it is too old and vulnerable to earthquakes.

Efforts to move the fish market have been opposed by many merchants, who say their families have been in the business for generations. In June, Tokyo announced that it would postpone the move of the Tsukiji fish market, which sits on some of the city’s most valuable land, to an artificial island.

According to VNE