Volunteer fire brigade: 'There are no differences in deployment'

Mr. Metzer, head of the volunteer fire department in Willich and deputy district fire chief in the Viersen district, explains in an interview the process of applying and training for the fire department as well as the cooperation with the professional fire department on large-scale operations such as the recent forest fire in the Hürtgen Forest.

The application begins with an admission interview in which expectations and training structure are explained. Requirements include occupational medical examinations and, in some cases, a certificate of good conduct. The training includes 180-200 hours of basic training, followed by specialized courses.

In large-scale operations such as the Hürtgenwald forest fire, volunteers and professional fire departments work together in different ways, coordinated by a central management. The Bundeswehr provided support with armored recovery vehicles to secure areas contaminated with ammunition.

Metzer states that despite inquiries about the deployment, there is no immediate increase in applications, but there are staffing concerns, especially when firefighters themselves are affected.