Ramelsloh Volunteer Fire Department trains for upcoming vegetation fires!

Ramelsloh Volunteer Fire Department trains for upcoming vegetation fires!

In an impressive training program, the Ramelsloh Volunteer Fire Department carried out a practical exercise to combat vegetation fires on August 13, 2025. In bright sunshine and summer temperatures, the training took place on a harvested stubble field, kindly provided by a local farmer. The Maschen fire department also took part in this exercise with their tank fire engine and the Lindhorst fire department with an AB water roll-off container. The aim of this intensive training was to optimally prepare the emergency services for the increasing dangers of vegetation fires, which can threaten despite the rainy summer.

The background to this training is the worrying developments in Germany and throughout Europe, where the number of vegetation fires is constantly increasing due to persistent drought and heat periods. According to a report from the Hattingen fire department (LK Ennepe-Ruhr, North Rhine-Westphalia), these factors have also led to a noticeable increase in the risk of fire in this country. The Hattingen fire department has therefore also organized comprehensive training measures for its volunteer and full-time emergency services in order to prepare them for the special features of fighting fires in impassable terrain. Wound strips, for example, are an important tool for removing flammable materials and enabling effective fire fighting.

Intensive training and collaboration

Under the supervision of deputy local fire chief Stefan Gehrmann, the firefighters trained in specific firefighting techniques. They worked with classic jet pipes, fire bats and small fire extinguishers. The Maschen fire department also gave valuable information on how to effectively combat vegetation fires, while the Lindhorst fire department demonstrated the technique of filling a mobile water reservoir. This close cooperation between the fire departments from Ramelsloh, Maschen and Lindhorst contributed significantly to the success of the exercise and showed how important joint training is for future operations in an emergency.

The exercise lasted approximately two hours and took place under strict safety protocols to ensure the safety of all participants. In these scenarios, firefighters not only use their classic extinguishing techniques, but also learn how to use water sparingly, which is essential in vegetation fires. The switch to firefighting backpacks, which only carry 20 liters of water, allows precise handling, which was deepened during the extensive training.

Actions for the future

The aim for the future is to increase training in this area in order to further deepen the emergency services' understanding of tactics. Special modules on the technology of fighting vegetation fires are offered, which contain both theoretical and practical elements. At the same time, the fire brigades appeal to people to avoid lighting open fires in nature and to report suspicious smoke developments immediately on the emergency number 112. This awareness is particularly important to protect both nature and humanity.

A look at the current circumstances makes it clear: vegetation fires are an urgent problem that requires our attention. This makes it all the more important that the fire brigade is well trained and prepared. Safety in the region deserves the highest priority, and the fire department is ready to act quickly and competently in an emergency.

Further information about training and measures for combating vegetation fires can be found on the websites of Süderelbe24, Feuerwehr UB and Vegetationsbraende can be read.