Negligence leads to fire in Meinsdorf – fire brigade saves the situation!

Negligence leads to fire in Meinsdorf – fire brigade saves the situation!

On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, a volunteer fire brigade operation in Meinsdorf near Dessau-Roßlau entered a hectic phase. Shortly before 6 p.m. the fire was reported: a hedge was in danger and it seemed possible that it could spread to a caravan. But the alerted units, including the fire departments from Roßlau, Mühlstedt, Rodleben and the professional fire department, were quickly on the scene. The emergency services found around ten burning conifers and a pile of wood on site. Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished and it was prevented from spreading to other properties, as [mz.de](https://www.mz.de/lokal/dessau-rosslau/fahrlassiger-umgang-mit-offenem-feuer-koniferen-und-holz Stapel-geraten-in-meinsdorf-in-brand-4076795) reports.

However, the shock was not without consequences. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but the property damage was estimated at around 5,000 euros. A total of six fire engines and 34 emergency services were deployed during this operation. The cause of the fire was attributed to negligent handling of open fire.

Cause of fire: Negligence has its costs

But who actually pays the costs if a fire service is necessary? In most cases, the state treasury covers the costs of such operations. However, this does not apply if the fire was caused intentionally or through gross negligence. In these cases, the person responsible must pay the costs. In this case, this could cost those responsible quite expensively, as [alle Answers.de](https://alle Answers.de/wer-zahlt-feuerwehrsatz-bei-fahrlaessigkeit) makes clear. An example shows that, depending on the vehicles and emergency services used, large sums can be raised for a fire service operation. A fire engine costs around 4.70 euros per minute, while a crane truck costs 11.70 euros per minute.

We hear again and again about similar incidents where negligent actions led to a fire department call-out. A man from churches had to pay 1,467.03 euros because he grossly negligently burned waste at a barbecue, which led to a false alarm. Test.de reports that such regulations can vary depending on the federal state. The costs are usually borne by the municipality as long as there is a genuine emergency.

Lessons from fire

The incident in Meinsdorf should be a reminder for everyone who handles open fire. In the worst case scenario, the fleeting joy of the campfire can lead to high amounts of damage. It is advisable to always exercise caution when handling fire to avoid such dangerous situations. The fire brigades are ready, but the costs for their deployment have to be borne in an emergency if negligence is involved.

After all, knowing the financial consequences can serve as a good reason to reconsider your own actions. Who knows, maybe there will be the next barbecue soon, but without unwanted side effects such as fires and burning hedges!