Kinderfeuerwehren in Hessen with large influx - Hesse's Junior Fire Brigades expand with record youth participation
Hesse's Junior Fire Brigades have grown significantly over the past five years. The number of groups has risen from just under 1,000 to more than 1,225. At the same time, membership has jumped from around 12,900 children to over 18,500 today.
The expansion reflects a broader effort to engage young people in fire safety and emergency response. Children in these groups learn about firefighting, self-protection, and teamwork through playful activities. The state also promotes fire safety education in schools to build awareness from an early age.
Beyond technical skills, the Junior Fire Brigades focus on values like democracy, tolerance, and respect. To support this growth, the Hesse government will fund a new coordinator position in 2026, allocating around €110,000 for training materials and resources. The Youth Fire Brigade Training Center in Marburg-Cappel is also expanding. Seven new positions will be created there this year to meet rising demand. While nationwide figures for 2019 remain unavailable, Hesse's 2016 data showed roughly 2,000 youth fire brigades with 25,000 members across the state.
The increase in groups and members highlights Hesse's commitment to youth fire education. With more funding and training opportunities, the programme aims to equip children with essential safety skills. The expansion also strengthens community ties and prepares the next generation for emergency response roles.
