New fire engine for Landau: safety for all villages!

New fire engine for Landau: safety for all villages!

On October 13, 2025, the time had come: Mayor Marko Lambion handed over the keys to a new HLF10 fire-fighting team vehicle to the deputy city fire inspector Michael Pesta at a ceremonial ceremony. This modern vehicle is handed over to military leader Mario Heinemann and replaces a 27-year-old model that no longer met the country's contemporary requirements. A purchase that is not only necessary but also well thought out - the new purchase cost an impressive 350,000 euros, of which 97,000 euros were provided as a grant by the state of Hesse. The city of Bad Arolsen is responsible for the remaining 252,000 euros. This new vehicle is specifically designed to meet the needs of the surrounding villages, which significantly increases operational capability.

In his speech, the mayor emphasized the great importance of the voluntary work of the firefighters, who often work tirelessly and are also actively involved in the youth work of the youth and children's fire brigade. Mayor Werner Schäfer recalled the devastating city fire of 1749, in which 50 half-timbered houses burned down, and thereby underlined the importance of a powerful fire department in today's world.

A milestone for the Landau Weir

The Landauer Wehr, founded in 1903, has reached a high point in its history with the purchase of new vehicles. The chairman of the fire brigade association, Mario Dicke, said that this step was very symbolic. Since 2019, the technical team had been formulating the requirements for the new vehicle to ensure that it meets current standards. The HLF10 has a 1200 liter water tank and is equipped with special devices to combat wildfires. In addition, thanks to generous donations from the public, additional equipment was able to be purchased.

Before the vehicle was officially put into operation, it had already completed several missions since June and has proven itself to be a valuable operational partner. Representatives of the Landau clubs and neighboring fire departments were also present at the handover, who greeted the new acquisition with pleasant congratulations. Following the official ceremony, the future of the fire brigade was toasted at a Bavarian evening with regional food and drinks.

Firefighting tradition and modern technology

The history of the fire service is long and dates back to Roman times, when in 21 BC. The first fire department with 600 slaves was founded in the 1st century BC. In the Middle Ages, communities were obliged to organize fire protection and there were tower guards and night watchmen who were responsible for reporting fires. Even back then, simple means such as buckets, ladders and rip hooks were used. With the invention of the hose in the 16th century and the development of hand pumps, fire protection options were significantly improved. This tradition is continued to this day in the volunteer fire brigades, which emerged in large numbers in Germany from 1848 onwards, often as successors to gymnastics clubs.

Today, the new HLF10 shows that modern technology and traditional firefighting can go hand in hand. The Landau fire department is well positioned for the challenges that the future may bring. There is a good knack in choosing the technology that should pay off in the future. The step towards more security for the citizens and communities around Bad Arolsen is definitely already a complete success.