Blaze Spreads from Air Conditioner, Claiming Lives of Firefighters

A fire, believed to have started near an outdoor air conditioner unit, ravaged a building in Osaka's Chuo Ward. The blaze, which began on the first floor of a six-story structure, quickly spread due to the presence of colorful signboards adorning the building's exterior. The fire then extended to an adjacent seven-story building.

The Osaka Municipal Fire Department reported that the fire spread along the signs, ultimately reaching the neighboring building. Tragically, two firefighters lost their lives when a ceiling collapsed, trapping them on a higher floor while they were battling the blaze.

Investigators have focused on the area around the outdoor air conditioner unit on the first floor of the six-story building, where the damage was most severe. Police are investigating the cause, suspecting the fire originated near the unit and spread outwards. The fire, which occurred on August 18th, caused significant damage, charring multiple floors of the six-story building and affecting the upper floors of the adjacent structure.

Both buildings, constructed in 1968, are reinforced concrete structures and are connected internally on certain floors. Video footage shows flames climbing the advertising signs on the lower levels of the six-story building and spreading to the seven-story building.

An expert analyzed the video and photos, suggesting the fire may have spread via the advertising signs. The fire department also believes the flames spread from the signs on the initial building to the neighboring one, eventually entering through a window.

Experts emphasize the importance of fire prevention measures, such as keeping flammable materials away from outdoor air conditioning units. Short circuits within these units can cause fires.

The firefighting team arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the emergency call. The two deceased firefighters, along with another, entered the seven-story building. While battling the fire, the ceiling collapsed, trapping the two firefighters. The ceiling was reportedly made of materials that may have contributed to the collapse.

Fires related to air conditioner outdoor units are a growing concern. Data indicates a significant number of incidents involving fire or smoke from these units in recent years. The majority of these incidents are not caused by the product itself.

Many incidents involve flammable materials near the units, such as cigarettes or trash, which ignite and spread to the units. Other causes include wiring issues and compressor explosions. Incidents are more common during the summer and winter months when air conditioners are used more frequently.