Red alarm level: Fire brigade training in Rhineland-Palatinate at the limit!

Red alarm level: Fire brigade training in Rhineland-Palatinate at the limit!

The training of firefighters in Rhineland-Palatinate is increasingly in focus within the political debate. Less than half of the applicants for training positions at the Academy for Fire and Disaster Protection (LFBK) will be accepted in recent years. This situation has to consider the quality and orientation of the fire brigade training in the country. Numerous firefighters remain without training every year, which is considered risky not only for those affected, but also for the population. However, the state government plans to create 20 percent more apprenticeships this year, such as the Rhein-Zeitung

The opposition and various experts agree that the persistently low acceptance rate of the training applications is an alarming sign. These concerns are taken up by the CDU MP Dennis Junk, who made an official request to the state government and indicates the problem mentioned. The state government, on the other hand, does not see the situation as worrying and emphasizes that the training is sufficient for many.

offer of the academy for fire and disaster protection

The academy of the LFBK plays a central role in the training of firefighters. Every year, around 6,000 forces from voluntary fire departments, professional and work fire brigades and other aid organizations are trained there. The academy carries out about 250 events and ensures accommodation and meals for the participants. The theoretical training takes place in 11 apprenticeships, while the practical training takes place on a practice area that is equipped with facilities such as a diving tower and a fire extinguishing plant.

The training not only includes the use of special equipment in the areas of telecommunications technology and technical help, but also the management of emergency services in different group sizes. The maintenance and testing of devices as well as the training of district instructors also play an important role in the diverse training offer.

comparison to the fire brigade training in Austria

In an international context, the discussion about the further training of firefighters also refers to developments in other countries. For example, the Austrian fire and disaster protection academy (ÖFKAD) was founded in 2024. The aim of this new institution is the further development of fire brigade training at the federal level, especially in the area of civil protection. This is done by a structured annual program that relies on the specific needs of managers and members of other organizations with security tasks, as described on the website of the öfkad In view of these developments, it is crucial that the training strategies in Rhineland-Palatinate are adapted and optimized. Preparations for large operations and the effective handling of critical situations must continue to be emphasized in order to guarantee the safety of the population in the long term.