1972 Press Photo Tokyo firemen are patrolling the narrow streets of Shinjuku

Firefighters on bicycles; Tokyo firemen are patrolling the narrow streets of the crowded Shinjuku district of the city on bicycles equipped with loud speakers, and fire extinguishers during "Fire Prevention week" to warn inhabitants of the countless wooden houses of the hazards of fire. The new fire patrols may become a regular duty for the fireman if it is found effective. Some streets of Tokyo are so narrow, that fire engines cannot reach the scene of a fire, and long lengths of hose has to be run out to bring water to the blaze, causing delays in grappling with fire.and often the destruction of a score of houses and shops. Carelesness in the handling of oil heaters, and gas ranges in the wooden houses is the principal cause of the blazes, and discarded cigarette butts which frequently set the grass mat.

Photo is dated 1972.

Photo measures 9 x 6 inches.