Kinderfeuerwehren in Hessen with large influx - Hesse's Junior Fire Brigades see record growth with state backing
Hesse's Junior Fire Brigades are growing rapidly, with numbers rising from 12,900 to over 18,500 in just five years. The state government is backing this expansion by funding new positions and training programmes. Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) highlighted the increase at a recent conference in Eschborn.
The surge in young recruits was announced by Poseck during a specialist meeting. He noted that more children than ever are joining junior fire brigades across Hesse. These groups teach fire safety, emergency response, and teamwork in a hands-on way.
To support the growth, the state is investing in infrastructure and staff. The Youth Fire Brigade Training Center in Marburg-Cappel will add seven new roles this year. Additional funding of around €110,000 has been allocated for 2026, covering a coordinator position and new training materials. Beyond firefighting skills, the brigades promote values like democracy, tolerance, and respect. They also serve as a stepping stone for older members, with many progressing to youth fire brigades. In 2019, Germany had roughly 2,000 youth fire brigades, but recent figures for Hesse suggest a strong upward trend.
The expansion means more children will learn essential safety skills and teamwork. With state funding and new training opportunities, the junior fire brigades are set to grow further. The initiative also strengthens community ties and prepares young people for future roles in emergency services.
