Firefighters exercise during a training session at a fire station in Shanghai February 20, 2007. Chinese cities have been gradually loosening firework restrictions, instituted over decade ago due to fire and safety concerns. The Chinese New Year festival is the busiest time for firefighters, a local Shanghai fire station's commander said.

Firefighters eat lunch in the dining room.

Firefighters play basketball in the court yard.

(China Daily February 23, 2007)