New technology for Gera: Fire department receives vital equipment!

New technology for Gera: Fire department receives vital equipment!

On September 19, 2025, the celebratory Fire Department Employers' Day took place in Gera. At this special event, new technical equipment and vehicles were officially handed over, which are intended to significantly improve the fire department's operational capability. Mayor Kurt Dannenberg was on site and emphasized the central role of employers, who enable their employees to get involved with the volunteer fire department and thus contribute to the safety of the city. It was an opportunity to recognize the commitment of everyone involved, including the city administration and the fire department working group.

The event, at which department head Thilo Schütz and numerous city council members were also present, focused on the challenges facing the fire department. Schütz pointed out that forest fires, floods and traffic accidents in particular are becoming increasingly common. In order to meet the requirements, modern technology is essential. This is now underlined by the official handover of new vehicles and equipment.

New technology for firefighting and disaster control

The following new vehicles and equipment were presented as part of the ceremonial handover:

• Ein Multicar zur Bewältigung von Transporte, Waldbrandeinsätzen und Hochwasserlagen.
• Ein Anhänger für Flachwasserboote, einschließlich drei Boote mit Außenbordmotor.
• Ein Löschgruppenfahrzeug LF 20 KatS (FF Gera Aga, Landesmittel).
• Ein Löschgruppenfahrzeug LF 10 KatS (FF Gera Mitte, Bundesmittel).
• Eine Drohne DJI M30T (FF Gera Mitte) zur Lageerkundung.
• Ein MTW Behandlung (Bundesmittel) zur Stärkung der Medizinischen Task Force.
• Zwei mobile Tankstellen (jeweils 2.000 Liter) mit Anhängern.
• Zeltinfrastruktur (13 Zelte verschiedener Größen, inkl. Zubehör, Isolierung und Heizung).
• Zwei TSF-W (FF Thränitz und FF Roschütz) als Ersatz für 30 Jahre alte KLF.
• Ein Wechselladerfahrzeug WLF 26/6900 mit Abrollbehälter für Sandsackfüllanlagen.
• Zwei Abrollbehälter für Sandsacktransport.
• Ein Verkehrswarnanhänger.
• Ein Stromerzeuger.

Schütz described the new technology as “life insurance” for the population and the emergency services. Future investments in infrastructure and modernized fire stations are also urgently needed to further increase operational readiness. The event also offered guests the opportunity to view the new technology and Fire and Rescue Station 1.

Modernization and warning systems

In a further step to improve disaster control, a nationwide test of the warning systems will be carried out on September 11, 2025. This test will be initiated at 11 a.m. by the Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) via the Federal Modular Warning System (MoWaS). A test warning is sent on various warning multipliers such as radio stations and digital display boards. The all-clear is then given via the warning devices at 11:45 a.m.

The city of Gera has already taken measures to improve warnings and information for the population in recent months. This includes converting five sirens to digital control and building ten additional sirens for various districts and along the White Elster. Next year, further warnings and additional announcements will be possible at a total of 15 locations in Gera. In addition, the Gera fire department has set up a verified WhatsApp channel since July 2025 for additional information in the event of an incident.

The technological re-equipment of our fire departments is one of the fundamental requirements in order to meet the new security challenges, including disasters and protection against chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear dangers. In this context, the Association of German Mechanical and Plant Engineering (VDMA) has called for the need for an active dialogue with the fire service technology industry in order to promote the renewal of the technical equipment of the fire departments in Germany.

The event in Gera not only represents a recognition of the employers and their support for the fire department, but also emphasizes the importance of modern technology and warning systems for our disaster protection. In this way, the city of Gera is well prepared for future challenges.