Controversial remarks discovered in discussions among adolescent firefighters.
The Berlin Fire Department is currently examining inappropriate and extremist statements made within a chat group of the Berlin Youth Fire Department. According to reports from the "B.Z.", the messages include Nazi slogans, bullying, and extremism, which are said to be in conflict with the core values of the Berlin Fire Department.
The Berlin Youth Fire Department, which has over 1,000 members aged 8 to 19, has come under scrutiny following allegations of extremist content being shared in a private chat among its members. The Berlin Fire Department has confirmed that such content has been identified, but the names of the affected junior firefighter members have not been disclosed. The matter is under investigation with the involvement of the fire department's extremism commissioner and other internal and external bodies.
Initially, a spokesman for the fire department declined to comment on the specific nature of the messages. However, the Berlin Fire Department has since made it clear that expressions or behaviours contradicting its principles of respect, openness, and diversity are not tolerated, whether in active service or youth work. The department explicitly endorses a respectful, open, and diverse coexistence.
The contents of the messages and their context are being thoroughly and carefully examined, and further steps are being prepared, involving the extremism commissioner and other internal and external bodies. The Berlin Fire Department has stated that such expressions or behaviours have no place within the organisation.
The Berlin Youth Fire Department is part of the Berlin Fire Department, and this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all its members. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
