War and Disasters: More People Want to Join the Fire Department

War and Disasters: More People Want to Join the Fire Department - War and Disasters: More People Want to Join the Fire Department

Germany’s volunteer fire services are facing growing pressure as natural disasters and the war in Ukraine push demand higher. With over a million volunteers supporting emergency response, the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV) has warned that recruitment struggles could leave gaps in coverage. The organisation is now calling for stronger incentives to keep local stations running smoothly.

For years, volunteer firefighters have formed the backbone of Germany’s emergency response. Alongside 39,000 professional firefighters, more than a million volunteers help cover rural and urban areas. But changing work patterns, longer commutes, and shifting social habits have made recruitment harder.

The DFV has stressed that without these volunteers, professional units alone would struggle to reach all communities in time. Longer response times could follow, particularly in less populated regions. To tackle the problem, the association is pushing for better support, including free public transport for firefighters in uniform.

Other proposed incentives include priority housing for volunteers and official recognition programmes. These measures aim to maintain the network of local fire stations, which would otherwise require expensive full-time staffing. Recent crises, from floods to the Ukraine conflict, have already boosted interest in joining—but the DFV insists more must be done to secure the future.

The DFV’s proposals come as volunteer numbers rise, yet long-term challenges remain. Free train travel, housing benefits, and formal recognition could help sustain the system. Without these changes, the association warns, emergency coverage in many areas may weaken over time.