Saving the fire station in Rade: historical heritage preserved!

Saving the fire station in Rade: historical heritage preserved!

In Rade, in the Harburg district, there is reason to be happy: the old fire station is being reopened after extensive renovation work. This building is one of around 1,000 listed buildings in the region and is a rare treasure that has shaped the landscape for centuries. Monument protection officer Caroline Kleinert emphasizes the essential importance of such historical sites for people's self-image and identification with their homeland. The local fire chief Martin Busch and the owner Peter Johannsen are enthusiastic about the successful work that has now made the fire station shine in new splendor. The fire department even plans to display old firefighting equipment in the firehouse museum to bring the history of the fire department to life. The new concept should not only shed light on the historical aspects, but also make them tangible for today's generation.

In addition, a rustic wooden table with benches was set up in front of the fire station. This invites excursionists and cyclists to take a short break on their exploration tour through the idyllic village landscape and enjoy the rural atmosphere. Many cycle tourists take advantage of this opportunity and like to linger, which also gives the place a cozy, inviting touch.

Challenge of monument protection

But while the renovation of the fire station is a positive example of monument preservation, there are also dark facts in Germany. According to the historic preservation website, a monument is lost every day, usually unnoticed by the public. There are currently no clear statistics about the existence and development of these cultural treasures, which makes documentation and preservation significantly more difficult. For this reason, the “Black Book of Monument Preservation” was created to point out the problem and at the same time present examples of successful rescues.

As part of this project, it is important to raise awareness among the population and call for reports of monuments at risk. Each monument affected by the losses tells its own story and contributes to the diversity of our culture. Anyone who would like to find out more about the Black Book or contribute their own collection of information can do so free of charge through a brochure or by downloading the information.

The preservation of the fire station in Rade is not only a pleasant event for the community, but also an important signal for the importance of monument protection in Germany. It shows that in times when cultural heritage is often at risk, public engagement and awareness are crucial. Especially in a time when “something is happening”, it is even more important to take care of the treasures of our history.