Firefighting dog Bunko In the early Showa period, "Bunko the Fire Dog" was known throughout Japan through radio and magazines, and frequently made headlines in newspapers. Around the time that the city of Otaru, having learned from repeated major fires, began to improve its fire-fighting capabilities, a puppy named Bunko (a mixed-breed male dog, born around 1914 - died in 1938) was rescued by a fire brigade after being found crying in the ruins of a fire and was taken in as a pet. Somehow, when a fire broke out, he began to go out with the firefighters, chasing away onlookers at the scene and untangling hoses, becoming very active. It is also said that when the fire truck, a Chevrolet, was dispatched, he would be the first to get on the side step and wait for the departure, and that he never fell off the fire truck, which was running at full speed. It is said that Bunko made as many as 1,000 trips, and he ended his life loved by many citizens. In 2006, a bronze statue was erected in front of the old Otaru Warehouse to commemorate his achievements. You can see the stuffed Bunko at the Otaru City General Museum Canal Hall. Bunko, who supposedly loved dried herring and caramel, has also been the subject of picture books and is still loved by citizens and tourists alike. Firefighting dog Bunko Okaki Do you know the meaning of the colorful fire hydrants depicted on the outer packaging of the "Bunko Okaki" fire dog crackers? Otaru is surrounded by the sea and mountains, with mountains looming over the city, many slopes, and a significant difference in elevation between residential areas. Due to these geographical conditions, the waterworks bureau has installed 36 distribution reservoirs and 42 piping systems to ensure a stable water supply. Fire hydrants are connected to the distribution pipes that extend from these reservoirs. In 1974, during a large fire in Otaru City, several fire trucks drew water from fire hydrants on the same water supply system, making it difficult to obtain water and hindering firefighting efforts. Based on this experience, Otaru has a unique system, rare even nationwide, of color-coding fire hydrants according to piping system to ensure a stable water supply during firefighting operations that require large amounts of water. UNGAPLUS delivers the stories of Otaru related to fire fighting through "Fire Dog Bunko Okaki." Firefighting dog Bunko Okaki Firefighting dog Bunko Okaki Hotate Firefighting Dog Bunko Okaki Soup Curry Firefighting dog Bunko Okaki
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