Youth fire brigades in Lower Saxony: record numbers and new opportunities!

Youth fire brigades in Lower Saxony: record numbers and new opportunities!

Niedersachsen, Deutschland - There is good news from Lower Saxony! In recent years, the youth fire brigade has carried out an impressive development. Today, around 31,600 boys and girls are involved in the youth departments of the volunteer fire brigades, which means an increase of 440 members compared to the previous year. The total number of youth fire brigades has also grown at 1,920, which is 43 more than in the previous year. The increase from 71 to a total of around 1,240 children's fire brigades is also particularly gratifying. These figures were presented by the Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) as part of the fire brigade annual report, and they show that youth work in Lower Saxony is booming. ndr reports that the committed supervisors play a crucial role at this increase.

The success of the youth fire brigades not only depends on the numbers, but also on the quality of the work on site. Various activities are on the program in the youth departments: from first aid courses to handicrafts and works to leisure events. These not only offer children and adolescents an insight into the fire brigade training, but also promote social skills and democratic values. The management of the youth teams is the responsibility of qualified youth attendants who are supported by the fire brigade management. lfv-nds emphasizes that the engagement in the fire brigades is not only important for the fire brigade itself, but also contributes to promoting social interaction.

new momentum through exemption

Another factor that strengthens youth work in the fire brigades is the new regulation that enables the youth fire brigade and children's fire brigade to be exempted for vacation tent camp trips. This regulation applies retrospectively for 2024 and is made possible by the amendment of the Lower Saxony Fire Protection Act. Regionalhute reported that the first funds have already flowed to the municipalities. Supervisors are encouraged to submit applications for their respective fire departments to the municipalities.

Those responsible emphasize the importance of youth work for the acquisition of young talent and the operational readiness of the volunteer fire brigades in Lower Saxony. Hubertus Heil, the member of the Bundestag, sees this measure as a clear expression of appreciation for volunteering and supporting the committed helpers. He is supported by members of the state parliament who emphasize the role of youth fire brigades in rural areas and their contribution to social interaction.