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<p>Climate change is causing more frequent and intense extreme weather events, thereby affecting the operational reality of fire departments in Germany. The aim of this exploratory study was to identify changes in climate-related operational conditions, the associated stresses, as well as perceived risks and areas requiring action. A&#xa0;total of 1.735 fire fighters, predominantly command staff of volunteer fire departments, were surveyed (convenience sample). The online questionnaire addressed the frequency of operations, resource requirements, health risks, and measures.</p><p>The results show that operations due to extreme weather events are increasing, with 85% of respondents expecting a&#xa0;further increase in their area of operation in the future. Such operations require more time, personnel, and technology and lead to additional stress. Health problems resulting from prolonged heat waves were assessed as the greatest risk. Although initial measures are already in place (e.g. adapted personal protective equipment (PPE), improved drinking water supplies, and break regulations) many firefighters still feel that they are not sufficiently prepared.</p><p>Particular challenges are seen in the events of vegetation fires, heavy rain, storms, heat waves, as well as drought and aridity. Across all events, the main demands are for improved PPE, more intensive training and awareness-raising. The survey provides comprehensive insight into the impact of extreme weather events on the operational reality of volunteer fire departments in Germany and gives important information for preventive measures.</p>

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Einsatzrealität im Klimawandel: Belastungen, Risiken und Handlungsbedarfe der Feuerwehren in Deutschland

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月22日

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  • Lisa Stieler,
  • Maria Klotz,
  • Jens-Oliver Mohr,
  • Christian Heinz,
  • Anna-Maria Hessenmöller

摘要

Climate change is causing more frequent and intense extreme weather events, thereby affecting the operational reality of fire departments in Germany. The aim of this exploratory study was to identify changes in climate-related operational conditions, the associated stresses, as well as perceived risks and areas requiring action. A total of 1.735 fire fighters, predominantly command staff of volunteer fire departments, were surveyed (convenience sample). The online questionnaire addressed the frequency of operations, resource requirements, health risks, and measures.

The results show that operations due to extreme weather events are increasing, with 85% of respondents expecting a further increase in their area of operation in the future. Such operations require more time, personnel, and technology and lead to additional stress. Health problems resulting from prolonged heat waves were assessed as the greatest risk. Although initial measures are already in place (e.g. adapted personal protective equipment (PPE), improved drinking water supplies, and break regulations) many firefighters still feel that they are not sufficiently prepared.

Particular challenges are seen in the events of vegetation fires, heavy rain, storms, heat waves, as well as drought and aridity. Across all events, the main demands are for improved PPE, more intensive training and awareness-raising. The survey provides comprehensive insight into the impact of extreme weather events on the operational reality of volunteer fire departments in Germany and gives important information for preventive measures.