Volunteer fire brigade; fire service

The fire service in Bavaria is the responsibility of the municipalities. The municipalities must set up, equip and maintain municipal fire brigades (volunteer fire brigades, compulsory fire brigades and, under certain conditions, professional fire brigades) within the limits of their capacity and provide the necessary extinguishing water supply systems.

The tasks of the fire brigades include, in particular, defensive fire protection and numerous technical assistance services, such as car accidents, accidents involving hazardous substances and flooding. The fire brigades can also carry out voluntary tasks if this does not impair their operational readiness.

In the volunteer fire brigades, community residents, but also people who are regularly employed or in training in a community, generally perform voluntary fire service from the age of 18 until they reach the standard retirement age (currently 67). Young people can join as trainee firefighters from the age of 12.

The commander of the local fire brigade decides on the admission of new firefighters and young people in each individual case. The commander also checks the physical and mental aptitude of the applicants.

The fire brigade commander is responsible for the operational readiness of the volunteer fire brigade. He is elected by secret ballot from among the members of the volunteer fire brigade, including full-time firefighters and trainee firefighters who have reached the age of 16, for a term of six years. The result of the election is confirmed by the municipality in consultation with the district fire officer.

Specific information about the fire brigade in your area can be obtained from your local authority.