Hanau Celebrates 50 Years of Life-Saving Fire Safety Education
Announcement Date: 01.10.2025
50 Years of Fire Safety Education and Awareness in Hanau
"With pride, Hanau looks back on a success story that is not only celebrated today but also continues with dedication, expertise, and passion," summarizes City Councilor and Fire Department Director Isabelle Hemsley the history of Hanau's fire safety education.
A special ceremony was held in Hanau to celebrate the 50th anniversary of fire safety education and awareness - at the very place where it all began: at the Friedrich-Ebert School in the Klein-Auheim district.
On September 19, 1975, the first fire safety education took place here. The idea was born at a firefighters' meeting, with the goal of better preparing children for the event of a fire. What began as a local pilot project has since developed into a nationwide recognized model.
Today, exactly 50 years later, Karlheinz Ladwig, one of the long-standing pioneers of fire safety education, returned to this very classroom with three other groups to conduct another fire safety education session.
After the lesson, a small but meaningful ceremony took place. In addition to numerous companions and supporters of the first hour, Isabelle Hemsley and Head of Department Hendrik Frese took part. Both thanked in their speeches the countless honorary and main-amtlichen who have contributed to the development and establishment of fire safety education over the past five decades. As a sign of recognition, they presented a certificate of thanks and small gifts to the participants.
"Hanau is the cradle of fire safety education, and Hesse is the shining star in the fire safety education sky," emphasized Hermann Schreck, Vice President of the German Fire Protection Association (DFV), at a meeting of the DFV in SaarbrĂźcken in 2022 - a quote that is more relevant than ever today.
Numerous impulses for the nationwide conceptualization and professionalization of fire safety education have gone out from Hanau. Fachkonzepte, teaching materials, and recommendations that are used nationwide today have their origins in the Brothers Grimm city.
Long ago, fire safety education has become a fixed part of everyday education. Whether in a third-grade elementary school class, in kindergarten, in care facilities for people with disabilities, or in after-school care. Today, it's no longer just about behavior in case of fire, but about comprehensive prevention work that can save lives.
Meanwhile, the main and honorary fire safety educators train around 13,500 people per year in over 200 events - including around 10,000 children.
During the anniversary celebration, the most significant events and developments of the past five decades were also presented. The continuous further development and adaptation to societal and pedagogical requirements show: Fire safety education is more current and important than ever.
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Hanau, Fire Safety Education
From the firefighters' meeting to the nationwide model: 50 years of fire safety education and awareness began in Hanau, and the anniversary was celebrated at the Friedrich-Ebert School in the Klein-Auheim district.
Hanau, Fire Safety Education
50 years of fire safety education and awareness in Hanau: Karlheinz Ladwig (m.), one of the long-standing pioneers of fire safety education, is honored by City Councilor and Fire Department Director Isabelle Hemsley and Head of Department Hendrik Frese.
