TOKYO, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- A large fire broke out Monday afternoon in a shopping district in the city of Ise, central Japan, and is believed to have spread to multiple buildings near the Ise Jingu shrine, Kyodo News reported.
The affected area lies in central Ise in Mie Prefecture, close to the outer shrine of Ise Jingu, one of Japan's most sacred Shinto sites, the report said.
According to public broadcaster NHK, ten fire engines have been dispatched to the scene, and firefighting efforts are underway.
There have been no reports so far of anyone being trapped or injured. ■