Firefighters in Oita Prefecture, celebrating the successful completion of their annual dezome-shiki (demonstrations put on by firefighters in Japan) had to interrupt their festivities to put out a fire that broke out at their firehouse.

Though nobody was injured in the blaze, officials were extremely embarrassed by the incident.

“It’s a real shame that people who go around urging others to be wary of the dangers of fire invited such an outcome, especially on the day of their dezome-shiki,” Toshiyuki Kawano, chief of the Shimohetsugi Fire Department, said.

Before the party, the firemen had put on a demonstration before a crowd of some 2,000 people. Officials believe that the origin of the blaze was one of the gas canisters being used for cooking during the party, or a kerosene space heater.

Thanks to Duo for the tip.