A fire drill was held at Okinawa's Shuri Castle on Tuesday, exactly four years after a devastating blaze consumed six buildings at the site, including the main hall.

About 250 firefighters and officials from the castle's administrative foundation took part in the exercise, which started before sunrise at around 5:30 a.m.

They simulated a response to the outbreak of a fire on a temporary covering that protects the main hall from wind and rain during reconstruction work.

Security guards notified the fire department, while others rushed to the scene and used extinguishers to douse the flames.

Then, firefighters arrived at the scene and sprayed water on the building. Special hoses that have holes punctured in them were used for the first time this year. The holes create curtains of water that prevent the fire from spreading.

An official who manages Shuri Castle said he hopes the efforts will raise awareness of the importance of disaster prevention and make the castle a safe place that visitors can enjoy.

Officials want the reconstruction of the main hall to be completed by the autumn of 2026.