Fire brigade in action: 775 alarms over the holidays - security first!

The fire brigade in Düsseldorf recorded a total of 775 missions on Christmas days, which is a relatively constant number compared to 781 missions in 2023. The missions included 87 fire reports and technical assistance, while the emergency services treated 688 and treated injuries. In 93 cases, an emergency doctor was also alerted. According to the police, smoke detectors raised the alarm early in several cases and were able to prevent worse. Fortunately, there were no missions this year due to burning advent arrangements or fir trees, such as t-online.de reported.

In Germany, there is a smoke alarm obligation in almost all federal states, which increases the safety standard in real estate, but also results in more frequent fire brigade operations due to false alarms. These false alarms can be triggered by overheated fat, long hot showers or smoking. If the fire brigade has to grant access to a building, costs for the use and possible damage to doors can apply to the owners. The fire protection regulations vary between the federal states, which is why those affected should examine the applicable fire brigade law in order to be informed about their payments. According to Anwalt.de are joke callers who deliberately alert the fire brigade to bear the costs and can also be prosecuted. If an alarm is triggered grossly negligent, the costs must also be covered.

responsibility for false alarms

neighbors who call the fire brigade under the impression of concern for the well -being of others are usually not responsible for the costs, not even in the event of false alarms. A false alarm is, among other things, if the alarm is triggered by technical defects or cooking dampers without objective danger. The fire brigade is able to quickly decide whether there is a danger and often assumes a risk of apparition. The municipality can demand the costs for the fire service from the operator of the smoke detector if it is in poor condition. In cases of a false alarm, the resident does not have to bear the costs. The owner can initially cover the costs, but possibly assert a claim for damages against the tenant if he caused the false alarm by a breach of duty. In the event of an actual fire that justifies an assignment, the residents are not subject to a fee, unless the fire was deliberately or grossly negligent. In addition, the fire brigade is allowed to violate violence in the event of suspicion of danger to prevent greater damage without the owner is entitled to compensation.