Lower Austria battles rising battery fires despite fewer emergencies in 2024
Lower Austria's fire services faced a mixed year in 2024, with some challenges growing while others eased. Emergency callouts dropped sharply overall, but fire-related incidents—especially battery fires—rose significantly. Meanwhile, volunteer numbers remained strong, and new technology was introduced to improve response efforts.
Firefighters in Lower Austria handled 68,058 emergencies last year, a 37% drop from 2023. Despite this decline, fire incidents climbed by 16% to 8,410. Battery fires surged by 37%, with 1,128 callouts compared to 823 the previous year. State Fire Chief Dietmar Fahrafellner pointed to faulty device batteries and field or forest fires as key causes.
Technical rescues also fell by over 50%, with 38,278 operations recorded. Yet the service's volunteer base stayed robust, with 105,046 members contributing around 7.5 million unpaid hours in 2025. Female participation grew by more than 3%, reaching 11,839 members. Younger recruits also joined, with 7,828 in the youth brigade and 1,163 in the children's section.
To boost preparedness, 100 weather stations are being installed at fire stations across the region. A partnership with mobile provider Drei will help refine forecasting. Additionally, 66 new emergency vehicles were ordered through a procurement drive. Beyond local duties, Lower Austrian volunteers also aided wildfire efforts in Montenegro and Greece in August 2025.
The region's fire services are adapting to shifting demands, with battery fires posing a growing risk. Expanded technology and steady volunteer numbers aim to strengthen future responses. The 2024 data highlights both progress and persistent challenges for emergency teams.
