Brandenburg's Interior Minister: Helicopters in use instead of firefighting planes!

Brandenburg's Interior Minister: Helicopters in use instead of firefighting planes!

The 2025 forest fire season brings with it major challenges in Brandenburg. Interior Minister René Wilke (independent, SPD) has clearly rejected the discussion in the state parliament about the purchase of firefighting aircraft to fight forest fires. During a debate that took place at the request of his party, the SPD parliamentary group leader Björn Lüttmann asked for more financial resources from the federal government for the clearance of explosive ordnance. The wild scramble for the best solutions for fighting forest fires also shows the political divide within the state parliament.

But what are the motivations for this policy? Wilke explained that helicopters can be used much more flexibly in firefighting. This assessment is in stark contrast to the opinion of the AfD, which sees firefighting aircraft as the most cost-effective option. “The firefighters don’t see firefighting planes as a solution,” said Wilke. The necessary infrastructure for these aircraft would also have to be created, which would tie up a lot of resources. The debate about the optimal deployment of the fire brigade is now in full swing.

The reality of wildfires

The forest fire season has already burned more area than entire previous seasons. “Brandenburg is technically well positioned for fire protection,” emphasizes Wilke, pointing to 34 specially designed tank fire engines that are in use and 21 more that are to be procured. Three automated fire engines will also soon be used. In view of the highest risk of forest fires in Germany, which is caused by dry soil and exposure to explosive weapons, the state government must increase its efforts in forest fire protection.

The CDU criticized the fact that the subsidies for the state fire brigade association were not increased in the last double budget. Rainer Genilke, CDU parliamentary group leader, is calling for more investment in the fire department, which will further increase the pressure on the state government.

Preventive measures

It is important to systematically counteract pre-fire hazard elements in the forest. The Brandenburg state government plans to redesign the forest to adapt to the climate and create fire protection strips. According to the experts at Waldwissen.net, forest visitors should also play an active role and sound the alarm immediately if fires occur. In theory, they are often the first on the scene of a fire and can make a big difference through simple actions such as knocking out fire residue. But when it comes to large-scale fires, professional fighting is essential.

All the more so because the forest fire situation has fluctuated greatly in recent years. A well-thought-out combination of technical solutions and a well-trained fire department is necessary. Wilke relies on what it can offer: modern technology and skilled emergency services who build a stable defensive line to stop the fire - whether this happens with helicopters or other means remains under discussion.

The topic of fighting forest fires remains exciting and the political landscape in Brandenburg is changing. In these dry times, every move has to be right - otherwise a wildfire can quickly break out.