Malchin welcomes new fire engine – space problem looms!

Malchin welcomes new fire engine – space problem looms!

The fire department in Malchin can look forward to a new emergency fire engine (HLF 20), which was presented in the fire department on Wednesday. It replaces the LF 16/12 fire engine, which is over 30 years old. This important upgrade not only brings with it the latest technology, but also presents those responsible with new spatial challenges, as the old tool shed is difficult to access for the new vehicle. As nordkurier.de reports, the fire brigade team even had to convert parts of the extraction pipes and shorten the ladders in the tool shed to accommodate the new vehicle.

Fire chief René Giese highlights the versatile application possibilities of the new HLF 20, which will be used in traffic accidents, fires and technical assistance. It has an impressive tank volume of 2100 liters of water and was picked up by members of the fire department directly from the Rosenbauer company in Luckenwalde. The old fire engine, which is now being retired, had been in service since the 1990s.

Planned modernization and challenges

However, those responsible are overshadowed by a space problem for the joy of the new vehicle. Since the old equipment shed does not offer enough space, the city of Malchin is planning to build a new modern fire department equipment shed for over nine million euros. This new building is to be built on the site of the old equipment shed on Poststrasse. As nordkurier.de reports, detailed documents will be sent to the Ministry of the Interior in September to apply for funding. The demolition of the old device and the new construction depend largely on the decision regarding funding.

A temporary solution is already being considered to accommodate the fire department during the construction phase. Among other things, the city is examining the possibility of renting lightweight construction halls on the outdoor area of ​​the Schnepf hardware store. However, storing fire engines outdoors is not an option as this could jeopardize the fire department's ability to operate.

Technical details of the HLF 20

The HLF 20 is not just a fire engine, but also has comprehensive equipment for smaller technical assistance. The vehicle's loading includes the entire standard load of an HLF 20/16, and it is equipped with additional devices such as a power generator, a water cannon and a pneumatically extendable light mast. The Malchin fire department can now also boast a water and foam tank that holds 2,400 liters of water and 200 liters of foam. This completely redefines their operational readiness in various scenarios, as feuerwehr-ziemetshausen.de also notes.

The first training unit with the new vehicle took place on Wednesday evening. The firefighters are looking forward to using the HLF 20 effectively in future operations and thus ensuring greater safety in the region. The work surrounding the new building and modernization is high and presents the Malchin fire department with interesting, albeit challenging, times.