Double anniversary in Kaltenborn: 145 years of fire brigade and youth fire brigade celebrated!

Double anniversary in Kaltenborn: 145 years of fire brigade and youth fire brigade celebrated!

A very special day for the Kaltenborn fire department: On August 24, 2025, the fire department's 145th anniversary was celebrated with many guests, including Mayor Klaus Bohl and the district mayor Stephanie Kaiser. Historical roots go back to 1880, when the first 41 firefighters laid the foundation stone for fire protection. This was the occasion for a celebratory double anniversary, which also included the 30th anniversary of the youth fire department.

At the celebration, military leader Jens Barthelmäs looked back into the past and highlighted some important milestones. A fire extinguishing pond with a dam was built in 1937, which still serves as a safe supply of fire-fighting water today. In 1957 the fire station was expanded, which included a hose tower and apartments. The founding of the Kaltenborn Fire Department Association in 2008 also represented a significant step, followed by the merger with the Wildprechtroda Fire Department in 2014.

Current membership numbers

The membership numbers of the Kaltenborn fire department show that the commitment is great. The operations department currently has 24 members, including four women, with an average age of 31.5 years. There are already 26 members in the youth department, including five girls, which shows a positive trend for the future. There are also 12 members in the age group. At the end, Barthelmäs thanked the city of Bad Salzungen and Mayor Bohl for their continued support.

Historical equipment and development

As far as the fire brigade's equipment is concerned, the FFW Kaltenborn's initial equipment began with a hand pressure sprayer, a 60 meter long hose, several fire escapes as well as fire hooks and fire brooms. The hose truck, which is now in a well-restored condition, represents a piece of living history. Particularly noteworthy is the provision of a TSA trailer with a motor pump by the community in 1956, which was a significant aid to the first operations.

In addition, the youth fire brigade is a crucial part of fire protection in Germany. jugendfeuerwehr.de reports that in 2024, 372,334 children and young people nationwide were actively involved in youth fire departments, with the proportion of girls constantly growing. This shows how important the work of young talent is in order to secure the future of the fire departments.

This anniversary celebration was more than just a ceremony; It was a tribute to the history, cohesion and future of the Kaltenborn fire department, which continues to play a central role in the town. A big thank you goes to everyone who contributed to this event and who has supported the fire department over the past decades!