Fire Tears Through Shopping Arcade Near Ise Shrine in Japan, Flames Spread Across Multiple Buildings

A major fire broke out at the Meirin Shopping Arcade in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, Japan, on Monday afternoon, sending flames and thick smoke through the covered shopping street. The fire was reported at around 3:15 p.m. local time, with flames spreading to multiple buildings in the densely packed arcade. Firefighters continued battling the blaze as the fire threatened surrounding structures. The shopping arcade is located near Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station and around 700 metres from Ise Jingu’s Outer Shrine. The historic arcade has around 26 shops. Authorities said there were no immediate reports of injuries or people trapped as firefighting operations continued. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.