Baden-Württemberg to raise volunteer firefighter age limit to 67

The state of Baden-Württemberg is planning significant reforms to its fire service laws. Interior Minister Manuel Hagel announced that the age limit for active service among volunteer firefighters will be raised from 65 to 67 years old. This change is expected to take effect next year and will impact approximately 112,600 volunteer firefighters across the state. Professional, full-time firefighters are not affected by this specific age adjustment.

In addition to personnel changes, the state intends to expand its training capabilities by upgrading the existing State Fire School into an Academy for Fire and Civil Protection. This move aims to modernize training and address increasing demands in civil and disaster protection.

The reform package also includes measures to provide financial and administrative relief to municipalities. This includes strategies for bundled procurement and serial construction concepts to assist local governments in managing the costs of new technology and infrastructure.