2024 Annual Report: Over 1,000 Deployments for Volunteer Fire Departments in Schwechat

The year 2024 has set a record for the four volunteer fire departments in the city of Schwechat, with more than 1,000 emergency responses recorded. This significant rise in activity can be attributed to various factors, including severe weather incidents and an overall increase in emergency situations.

Among the notable events this year were the impacts of severe storms, particularly in September, which led to increased operational demands on the fire services. The four commanders--Maximilian Puhane (Schwechat), Helmut Mauritz (Rannersdorf), Herbert Rubenz (Mannswörth), and Johannes Hausenberger sen. (Kledering)--highlighted a general upward trend in technical emergency responses. These incidents primarily included road traffic accidents, alongside other non-fire-related emergencies.

During a recent section fire department day, Johannes Hausenberger sen., who served as the deputy sectional commander, emphasized the extraordinary demands placed on the fire brigades. He pointed out significant responses to major events such as the fires at the former Hammerbrot factories and the aforementioned September storm.

As a token of appreciation for their dedicated service, Peter Suchanek, the district captain, presented certificates of commendation to the leaders and representatives of all eight fire brigades during the event. This recognition underscored the commitment and resilience of these volunteers in ensuring the safety of the community.

In total, the volunteer fire brigades recorded 1,015 responses, with the Schwechat brigade accounting for the majority at 580 incidents. Other departments also noted substantial increases, including Rannersdorf with 175, Mannswörth with 160, and Kledering with 100 responses.

The overall total for the entire fire section, which includes both volunteer and professional units, reached 3,920 incidents, with the majority falling to the professional fire brigade at the airport, which managed 2,238 responses. This collective effort showcases the dedication and preparedness of the fire services in Schwechat.

As the city continues to face increasing demands on emergency services, the local government remains committed to supporting these vital organizations. Community safety is a top priority, and the contributions of the fire brigades are essential in maintaining this standard.