On March 19, a fire broke out at the Air Water chemical plant in Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture. Two workers lost their lives as a result of the fire.

The fire occurred at a warehouse of the fine chemical facility of the plant. The fire was brought under control the same day. Collateral effects from the fire such as a scattering of harmful materials around the area are not expected.

The Air Water Kashima plant is located on the premise of the Sumitomo Metals Kashima Works.