Commemorating the forest fire disaster: Hustedt remembers 1975!

Commemorating the forest fire disaster: Hustedt remembers 1975!

On August 10, 2025, a memorial event took place in Hustedt to mark the 48th anniversary of one of Germany's most devastating forest fire disasters, that of 1975. This offensive culture of remembrance is aimed at the dramatic events between August 8th and 17th, 1975, in which around 7,000 hectares of forest burned down in the Celle district. Over 20,000 emergency services from all over Germany were mobilized, but the accident tragically claimed the lives of six firefighters and a police officer.

The event was organized by the Celle district, the Celle district fire brigade association and the Hanover Monastery Chamber. Prime Minister Olaf Lies took over the patronage, but was unable to attend in person. Instead, state fire director Dieter Rohrberg represented the state government at the celebrations, which took place on the grounds of the adult education center.

A historical review

The year 1975 was characterized by exceptional weather conditions that served as a catalyst for the fire: temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of less than 30 percent in some cases contributed to the flames starting. The first fires broke out on August 8th near Stüde and Grußendorf and led to the disaster alarm being issued an hour later by senior district director Rolf Wandhoff. The fight against the flames mobilized forces from nine federal states, a total of over 34,000 emergency services.

In Hustedt, where over 1,500 forces were deployed on August 10, 1975, contemporary witnesses remembered what happened at this memorial event. Joachim Gieß moderated the morning and allowed Dieter Rohrberg, Gerd Bakeberg, Heinrich Lange and Ernst Kusenack, among others, to speak, who shared impressive reports from that dramatic time. In particular, the firefighters who decided to save the buildings in the town of Rebberlah received great recognition.

Specialist lectures and exhibitions

An extensive supporting program, which included specialist lectures, contemporary witness reports and an exhibition on firefighting technology and historical resources, provided insightful insights into the advanced tactics and techniques of fighting forest fires. Experts from the German Weather Service spoke about climate forecasts up to the year 2100, while many also see the recent forest fires in summer 2022 as an impetus for a renewed discussion about fire protection measures and prevention. Experts emphasize the need for better training in forest fire prevention to prevent similar disasters.

The morning ended with a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to the forest fire disaster by Dieter Rohrberg, District Administrator Axel Flader and District Fire Chief Volker Prüsse. The commemoration was attended by numerous visitors and representatives from politics and administration who did not want to forget the tragedy and the lessons of history.

The forest fire catastrophe of 1975 not only remains a painful chapter in the history of Lower Saxony, but is also an important impetus to reflect on developments in forest fire fighting. On this day of remembrance it becomes clear that the commitment and dedication of the many volunteers to the safety of the population must never be forgotten.