1.
volunteer fire corps; community fire brigade
A locally organized body of resident volunteers who assist with firefighting, disaster response, and prevention alongside the professional fire service. Formed from 消防 (firefighting) and 団 (group, corps).
父は消防団に入っている。
My father belongs to the volunteer fire corps.
消防団が地域の防災訓練を行った。
The volunteer fire corps carried out a disaster-prevention drill for the community.
地方では、消防団が住民の安全を支える大切な存在だ。
In rural areas, the volunteer fire corps is an important presence supporting residents' safety.
Members are ordinary residents who train and turn out part-time, distinct from the full-time staff of a 消防署. Especially important in rural areas with few professional stations.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 消防団に入る: to join the volunteer fire corps
- 消防団の団員: a member of the fire corps
- 消防団の活動: fire corps activities
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 消防署: fire station — staffed by professional, full-time firefighters.
- 消防隊員: firefighter — a paid professional, not a volunteer.