Berlin, December 24 – German fire departments are reporting a significant increase in new recruits, a trend attributed to recent natural disasters and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Karl-Heinz Banse, President of the German Firefighters’ Association, stated that these events have served as a wake-up call for many, fostering a desire for community solidarity and mutual assistance.
Increased Membership Across Germany
According to Banse, there are currently over one million volunteer firefighters across Germany, supplemented by more than 39,000 professional firefighters. This surge in interest is particularly noticeable among young people and adults.
“We are suddenly seeing many young people and adults wanting to join the fire department,” Banse told the German Press Agency. “There’s a shift in thinking.”
He further explained that Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has contributed to a realization among many that they no longer live in a “comfort society.” This sentiment has seemingly translated into a greater willingness to contribute to public safety.
The Critical Role of Volunteers
Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of Germany’s emergency response system. Banse emphasized the indispensable nature of their work:
“If there were no more volunteer fire departments, professional fire departments would have to be established everywhere, but they would no longer be available nationwide.”
Currently, almost every village has a fire department, ensuring that emergency services can reach an incident within a prescribed timeframe. Without volunteers, response times would dramatically increase, potentially leading to dire consequences.
“If I only had full-time personnel, there might only be two or three locations in a district,” Banse noted. “Then it wouldn’t take ten minutes, it would take 30 minutes or even longer for emergency personnel to arrive.”
Such delays could be critical for individuals trapped in a car after an accident or those in a burning building.
Strengthening Volunteerism: Calls for Support
Given the vital role of volunteers, the Firefighters’ Association is advocating for further measures to strengthen volunteer work. While some improvements, such as expense allowances, have already been implemented, Banse suggested additional incentives.
“One could, for example, consider allowing firefighters to travel free of charge on trains when they are in uniform,” he proposed. Additionally, emergency personnel could be given preferential treatment in the allocation of land or housing near fire stations.
These proposals aim to acknowledge and support the dedication of volunteers, ensuring the continued effectiveness of Germany’s fire and rescue services in the face of evolving challenges.
Source: https://www.radiobielefeld.de/nachrichten/nrw-und-die-welt/berlin-krieg-und-katastrophen-mehr-menschen-wollen-zur-feuerwehr.html
