Helpful precautions

1. Always keep a supply of cold-water available in event of a sudden outbreak
2. Make sure to mind some basic rules while driving or mountain climbing/hiking. For example please do not carelessly dispose of cigarettes. Put them in their proper place.
3. If there does happen to be a fire in a forested or mountainous area, please report it to the nearest fire department. Follow the rules prescribed by your regional self-governing administration.
4. When there are reports of dryness or strong winds, conditions which can often lead to fires, refrain from visiting areas where warnings are posted

If each and every person works together, we can avert a lot of the problems that arise during this season (winter). Life and property are important. It is important that we all be vigilant during these times.*

Japanese:
  これからの季節、山では枯葉や枯草などの燃えやすいものが多くなることに加え、空気が乾燥し、強風が吹く等の気象状況から、山火事の危険性が高まります。
  山火事は消火が困難で延焼スピードが速いため、ひとたび発生すると急激に延焼し、一瞬にして貴重な森林を焼失してしまいます。
　山火事は大規模な火災に発展して地域社会に甚大な影響を与えることから、発生させないことが大切です。
　大分市内では、平成２６年中に林野火災が７件発生しており、今年も１０月末までに６件の林野火災が発生しています。
　山火事の原因の多くは、タバコの投げ捨て、たき火、火入れなどの火の不始末から発生しているため、以下のようなことを日頃から十分注意してください。
１、たき火をする場合には、近くに消火用の水などを用意し、最後まで火のそばを離れず、自分でつけた火の管理を徹底する。
２、ドライブや登山などの目的で入山する場合は、たばこの投げ捨てをしない等のマナーの向上に努める。
３、山林内やその周辺で火入れを行う場合は、事前に最寄りの消防機関に届け出たうえで、自治体のルールに従って行う。
４、強風注意報や乾燥注意報などが発表されている場合は、火気の使用を差し控える。
山火事の多くは、私たち一人ひとりが気をつければ防ぐことができます。貴重な人命や財産を守るため、山林での火気の取扱いには十分に注意しましょう。

Source: http://www.city.oita.oita.jp/www/contents/1385615423616/

*Translation from Japanese provided by Brandon Anderson

Risk of fire

Ever wonder why when you walk past rows of houses there are lots of water bottles filled up outside, lining the walls?
These are one form of fire preparation, a hazard which is not uncommon in Japan.

The probability of mountain/bush fires increases during the cold months. The combination of strong winds, dry air, and other factors make the likelihood of a dangerous outbreak very high.　In many cases, the speed of the fire moves very quickly, and these fires can spring from almost nothing. This is especially true in areas where there are complex systems of forests and woods. The prospect of a wild fire spreading quickly is nothing to scoff at. Each and every region must take the appropriate precautions in dealing with these outbreaks. Just last year (2014) in Oita City there were seven outbreaks in the forests and fields. This year (2015) in October we had around six of them.

There are some relatively easy precautions that one can take to avert the risk of fire spreading. Some of the main causes of fire spreading include throwing away tobacco, and improper use and disposal of firewood.