100 years of the Bröthen fire department: From horse-drawn teams to modern emergency vehicles!

100 years of the Bröthen fire department: From horse-drawn teams to modern emergency vehicles!

In Bröthen, an idyllic village, a very special anniversary is being celebrated this year: the Bröthen Volunteer Fire Department is turning a proud 100 years old. On July 5, 2025, the fire department will look back on a long and eventful history that dates back to 1925, when the fire department was founded. Back then, the emergency services were dependent on muscle power. Simple hand-push fire extinguishing was used, and at times when no horses were available, firefighters would harness themselves to the carts to get to the scene of the fire. As the Sächsische Zeitung reports, the fire department is now more modern and deploys a fire department vehicle and a multi-purpose vehicle.

The celebrations for the fire department's 100th anniversary are planned for August 15th to 17th, with the highlight being the consecration of the two current emergency vehicles on August 16th at 3 p.m. on the village square. A multi-purpose vehicle that was put into service a year ago can also be used as an operations control vehicle, while the fire fighting vehicle, built in 1999, will be ready for use again in May 2023 after a general overhaul. This technical development not only reflects the history of the Bröthen fire department, but is also part of the broader context of the fire department's history as a whole.

A look into the history of the fire department

The fire department has a deep-rooted history that dates back to Roman times. As early as 21 BC The Romans founded the first fire department with 600 slaves in the 4th century BC. In the Middle Ages, it was the communities who were obliged to ensure fire protection. The first fire extinguishing regulations also date from the 13th and 14th centuries. The Meißen Volunteer Fire Department is considered to be the first German volunteer fire department as we understand it today and was founded in 1841. This development was particularly influenced by urbanization and technical advances in construction, which further increased the need for fire protection measures. Fire departments often grew out of gymnastics clubs and have constantly developed over the centuries, which is also thanks to the invention of the hose in the 17th century, which was initially made from sewn leather.

In Germany, many compulsory fire departments were founded in the 19th century, particularly during the Civil Revolution around 1848. The importance of fire departments also changed dramatically during National Socialism, when they were restructured as technical police forces. Nevertheless, the common spirit of the volunteer fire department remained, which can still be felt in villages like Bröthen today and plays an important role in society.

The modern Bröthen fire department

Today, the Bröthen Volunteer Fire Department is not only equipped to put out fires, but also plays an active role in the social life of the village. Around 18 active emergency services and just as many youth firefighters are currently involved and take part in events such as the witch burning or court festivals. The Age and Honor Department has 21 members, all of whom represent a piece of the 100-year history and the fire service in the region.

The evolutionary journey of the Bröthen Fire Department is an impressive example of the development of fire departments in general, from the hand-operated fire engines of the early 20th century to the modern fire engines of today. The fire department has not only constantly modernized its equipment - from the first engine fire engine in 1931, to the purchase of a portable pump after the Second World War, to the sustainable fleet of vehicles that protects the community.

The Bröthen Volunteer Fire Department can look back on a varied history and is ready to maintain and shape its place in the community in the years to come. The fire department team ensures that the next generation of firefighters receives the best possible training and that the tradition of the fire department is continued. The upcoming festivities in August will not only be a reason to celebrate, but will also demonstrate the solidarity and pride of an entire village community.

Further information about the development of the fire service and its historical milestones can be found on various informative platforms such as Wikipedia, where the rich history of the fire service is comprehensively covered. The Bröthen fire department shows that fire is much more than just an element - it is a symbol of cohesion and commitment. Saxon newspaper and Wikipedia provide further insights into the history and changes of fire departments.