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Large disaster control exercise: Fire brigade tests emergency situation in the stadium!
On July 5, 2025, the Potsdam fire department will rehearse an emergency in the Karl Liebknecht Stadium with 170 emergency services and a helicopter.
Large disaster control exercise: Fire brigade tests emergency situation in the stadium!
In Potsdam, a large-scale disaster control exercise will take place in the Karl Liebknecht Stadium on July 5, 2025. This is a realistic test for the fire brigade and other emergency services in the region. Organized by the Potsdam Fire Department, this exercise will involve around 170 rescue workers from various districts, including Potsdam-Mittelmark, Havelland, Teltow-Fläming and Ostprignitz-Ruppin. Tagesspiegel reports that around 50 rescue vehicles and a rescue helicopter will also be in full operation.
The fictional scenario of this exercise envisages the partial collapse of a grandstand roof, which will affect around 150 people, of whom 71 are considered injured. The aim of the exercise is to test the interaction of all organizations involved in an emergency and to ensure optimal response times. For this purpose, 150 volunteers will also act as extras, including 70 who will act as “injured people”. They were recruited via the Internet and many of them have already taken part in similar exercises. Cityreport explains that three extras are said to have been buried by debris.
Traffic disruptions and safety information
The exercise starts at 10 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. During this time, Karl-Liebknecht-Straße will be completely closed between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Residents have to prepare for traffic restrictions, including on the avenue to Glienicke. In addition, bus route 616 will be rerouted. The Potsdam fire department has asked the population for their understanding, as the regular emergency services are still on duty and everyone's safety is their top priority.
In addition, there is a warning message on the day of the exercise via the warning apps NINA and KATWARN to inform people in the area about possible restrictions. This is a closed exercise, so onlookers are asked to respect the barriers. Fire chief Ralf Krawinkel emphasizes how important such exercises are in order to be well prepared in an emergency. The last major disaster response exercise took place in 2011 and the aim is to conduct these exercises every five years.
Overall, the disaster control exercise aims to prepare the emergency services as best as possible for emergencies and to ensure the safety of citizens. The Potsdam fire department would like to thank everyone involved and the population in advance for their support and understanding during this important measure.