Firefighters in Germany: a burning problem without protection!

Firefighters in Germany: a burning problem without protection!

Feuerwehrhäuser in Germany are often confronted with a serious problem: fires that are often favored by a lack of fire alarm systems. Many of these facilities shy away from the costs of installing such systems, which means that they are often insufficiently protected in such a sensitive area. The latest incidents show that this problem is more urgent than many think.

like Feuerwehrmagazin.de , fires are a recurring phenomenon. The chain of damage firing in recent years is alarming and shows the dangers that exist in such facilities. One example is the fire in the fire station in Stadtallendorf, which took place in October 2024. This resulted in damage of over 20 million euros, which underlines how quickly a fire can result in a significant financial risk.

insights into prominent fire incidents

A selection of marginal fire events shows the range of problems that fire brigades are faced with:

• 22. February 2017: Fire Brigade in Kronshagen - 130 firefighters in action, vehicle hall and fleet burn down.
• 19. July 2017: Fire in the Freimann department in Munich - three vehicles and buildings are badly damaged.
• 4. April 2018: Burglary to the FF Birkenau fire station - fire in the office, damage of 150,000 euros.
• 19. July 2018: Fire of an older fire engine in Riedering - damage of 300,000 euros.
• 31. July 2019: Fire in the fire station in Kleinostheim - several vehicles damaged.
• 17. October 2019: roofing fire at the tool shed in Wusterhausen - fire brigade can save vehicles, high building damage.
• 13. September 2021: Fire in the fire station of the Bigge-Olsberg fire station-several vehicles damaged.
• 14. September 2021: Fire in the vehicle hall of FF Oldenburg in Holstein - several vehicles and buildings damaged.
• 6. May 2022: Full fire of an MLF in Hennef-Söven-million damage.
• 28. May 2022: Technical defect at an MTW in the fire station in Schneppenbach - damage of 150,000 euros.
• 22. July 2024: Fire in the FF Neustadt fire station on the Weinstrasse - damage of 3 million euros.
• 13. January 2025: Fire in the fire station in Treffurt - buildings and five vehicles destroyed, damage of around 7 million euros.

The frequency and the extent of such incidents raise the question of how effective the fire protection measures in Germany are. According to Feuertrutz.de there is no comprehensive and uniform fire statistics for the whole country. Detailed data on fires, the causes and the resulting injuries and deaths could make a decisive contribution to improving fire protection. Current statistics are regularly updated and supplemented to take into account the developments in fire protection.

Need for improvements in fire protection

The large number of fire incidents in fire station in fire station underlines the urgency of taking preventive measures. The German Fire Brigade Association also collects relevant data that can provide information about the causes of fire and the associated risks.

In addition to the political and administrative measures, the awareness of the firefighters is also important for preventive fire protection measures. Sensitization programs could help minimize the risks and increase the safety of the fire station.