New protective clothing for Klagenfurt fire brigade: Safe and efficient in use
The switch from green to blue protective clothing for firefighters in Klagenfurt-Land brings with it financial challenges. Read how communities are managing costs and evaluating new equipment.

New protective clothing for Klagenfurt fire brigade: Safe and efficient in use
In Klagenfurt-Land, the firefighters are facing an important change: They are switching from green to the new blue protective clothing. This change not only brings a new look, but also some practical advantages. According to Ulrich Nemec, the district fire brigade commander of Klagenfurt-Land, the new KS-03 equipment is specifically designed to offer firefighters optimal protection during difficult operations. It not only protects against heat, but also against moisture and other external influences. This improvement will be particularly important in the hot season.
The change will affect the 62 members of the Krumpendorf Volunteer Fire Department (FF) at the beginning of next year. The price for a complete set is around 400 euros, with around 267 euros eligible for funding. The Krumpendorf community has agreed to cover the costs. However, it should be noted that the old KS-04 equipment will not be abolished; Rather, it is a sensible extension, as it will continue to be used for special operations, for example for those wearing respiratory protection.
Costs and pre-financing
The situation looks somewhat different for the 75 firefighters in Zell/Gurnitz. The change to the new uniform entails costs of around 33,000 euros. Since only the municipality is able to apply for funding from the state, the expenses increase to around 12,000 euros, which remains after the funding has been deducted. The camaraderie fund will cover half of these costs. In order to make the switch possible, pre-financing from the current budget will be necessary until the municipality provides the funding. Despite initial doubts about the new protective clothing, the commander of the FF Zell/Gurnitz shows that the innovation is viewed positively. He reports enthusiasm among his comrades after they tried on the new uniforms.
The special features of the new uniform are a key factor why many fellow firefighters welcome the changes. At the beginning there were uncertainties as to whether the new clothing would meet expectations. After trying on the first prototypes, it quickly became clear that the switch was worth it. As Ulrich Nemec emphasizes, the adaptability of the new equipment is a decisive advantage that will be useful for all operations.
Overall, it appears that the realignment is associated with both financial challenges and positive prospects. The change to the new blue uniform will not only ensure the safety of comrades, but also ensure that they are able to carry out their duties more effectively. This is particularly evident in the joint effort of the communities, which must provide funding and support for the purchase of the new equipment.
For a detailed look at the case and more information on this topic, see the current reporting on www.meinkreis.at.