Revolution at Hessisch Lichtenau fire brigade: locations shrink drastically!

Revolution at Hessisch Lichtenau fire brigade: locations shrink drastically!

In the city of Hessisch Lichtenau, there are fundamental changes for the fire brigade, which will significantly reduce the number of its locations in the next two decades. From currently 13, the number is reduced to six locations. In a recent interview, Mayor Dirk Oetzel explains that this reform is not only a question of cost savings, but also a necessary step to ensure the willingness of the fire brigade.

Currently, many districts have to deal with a lack of staff, which endangers the fulfillment of the prescribed aid periods of ten minutes. In order to counter this challenge, a planned needs and development plan was adopted, which was created with the support of fire brigade consultants. The plan stipulates that some fire guards are merged and the remaining locations are strategically placed sensibly.

The locations of the future

The reform will concentrate the locations along the motorway from Fürstenhagen to Walburg. Among other things, Friedrichsbrück and Retterode remain central points of the fire brigade infrastructure. In a first step, the east location near the motorway entrance is prioritized with feasibility studies. The plan for this restructuring will take into account all essential aspects, including ensuring daily alarm security.

Mayor Oetzel emphasizes that transparent communication with the fire brigade associations is of great importance. Despite the restructuring, these associations, which play an important social role in the villages, should be preserved. Close cooperation with the club board members is planned to integrate the concerns and suggestions of the members.

The implementation of this ambitious plan will be gradually carried out. Initially, the city will begin the changeover in the coming years, whereby further planning and new buildings will be expected by 2026. The implementation extends over a period of around 20 years, which indicates that a long -term perspective is taken.

Another important topic that appeals to Oetz is inter -municipal cooperation. In order to meet the challenges that the large vehicles and new standards on the fire departments are on, the municipalities have to work more closely together. There are already plans to share technical workshops and equipment between the communities to use resources more efficiently.

The city of Hessisch Lichtenau is on an innovative path and could take on a pioneering role in the Werra-Meißner district. In order for the other municipalities to also make progress, open dialogues among the mayors are required to learn from each other and develop common solutions.

These restructuring are also a reaction to the growing requirements of legislation and the steadily increasing standards that the fire departments have to meet. Mayor Oetzel's assessment is clear: In order to meet the needs of the communities, it is essential that everyone involved pulls together.

For more information on this development and detailed explanations, See the article on www.werra-rundschau.de .