Increasing number of young boys and girls joining the local fire department.
In recent years, the number of children's fire brigades (Kinderfeuerwehren) in Germany has been on the rise as many fire departments establish youth programs to engage children early. These brigades, which typically involve children aged around 6 to 12 years, aim to introduce fire safety, team spirit, and social responsibility in an age-appropriate way.
According to the latest statistics, there were 28,059 children in fire brigade groups nationwide in 2020. However, this number has significantly increased, with nearly 99,590 children active by the end of 2024, and 37,648 of them being girls. In Bavaria alone, the number of children's fire brigade groups has grown from around 2,800 in 2015 to around 1,633 by the end of 2024, with an increase in active children from around 2,800 to around 30,500 over the same period.
The benefits for children participating in these brigades are numerous. They learn important safety and emergency skills, develop a sense of community and teamwork, and build confidence and discipline through structured activities. Physical activity and healthy habits are also encouraged, and the program provides a platform for interested youths to prepare for eventual membership in youth and adult fire brigades.
The fire service in Bavaria, primarily organized by volunteer departments, faces competition from other leisure activities and demographic challenges in finding committed volunteers. However, the establishment of children's fire brigades is seen as a crucial step in addressing these issues. According to Christine Hepner, spokesperson for the German Youth Fire Brigade, these groups are now an integral part of the fire service, and their goal is not only to convey fire safety knowledge in a playful way but also to build a long-term bond with the fire department and support future recruitment.
One example of this is the Waischenfeld fire department's children's fire truck, which is popular among kindergartens and primary schools during fire safety education visits. The truck, built by volunteer firefighters, is used for games, painting, crafting, and experiments, fostering social skills like teamwork, communication, and independence. Children in these brigades also learn basic knowledge such as making emergency calls and basic first aid knowledge.
In addition to fire protection, the fire service in Bavaria also provides assistance in natural disasters and accidents. These activities, along with the work of the children's fire brigades, serve to strengthen the community and instil a sense of responsibility in the next generation.
For those interested in the most recent statistical growth data or specific program details, consulting official German fire service websites or youth fire brigade associations is recommended.
Participating in children's fire brigades not only offers a platform for children to learn essential fire safety skills and emergency response, but also encourages physical activity, healthy habits, and promotes social development through teamwork and communication. Combining this with their learning opportunities in home-and-garden activities, sports, and education-and-self-development subjects fosters well-rounded individuals.
