Many want to help

Carinthia’s fire departments are very busy

In the Villach-Land district alone, there were 110 applications to the fire brigades.(Bild: Hannes Wallner)

They are there for Carinthia around the clock: the members of the Carinthian fire departments. But the Florianis don't have to worry about recruiting new members. More and more young people are applying for this valuable honorary position. The "Krone" attended a basic fire department training course.

Great commitment, active camaraderie and a high level of training - these are the ingredients that characterize Carinthia's volunteer fire departments. It is therefore not surprising that more and more Carinthians are donning the (still) green uniform to help others in emergency situations - all on a voluntary basis, of course.

The basic course is the basis for further training and specialization in the fire department.

Libert Pekoll, Bezirksfeuerwehrkommandant

Bild: Hannes Wallner

"We had 110 applications for basic training this year," says district fire service chief Libert Pekoll: "We had to change the timetables and accommodate comrades in the Villach-Stadt district in order to make the training possible for all those interested."

I like the camaraderie in the fire department - and I want to help others.

Lea Tröthan, Feuerwehr Föderlach

Bild: Hannes Wallner

Up to now, around 60 men and women have received basic training in firefighting and technical operations at the Villach-Land district training center in Feffernitz every year.

Free time is sacrificed for voluntary work
"The level of the course is high this year and shows us instructors that people enjoy being in the fire department," says examiner Thomas Warmuth: "Because in an emergency, everyone has to know what to do."

Proper sparking also needs to be learned. Examiner Joachim Kerschbaumer is impressed by the Florianis' skills.(Bild: Hannes Wallner)

Examiner Thomas Warmuth(Bild: Hannes Wallner)

The firefighting equipment, such as the latest tanker in Carinthia (in the background) from the Arnoldstein fire brigade, is also explained to the firefighters in detail.(Bild: Hannes Wallner)

Lining up(Bild: Hannes Wallner)

The examiners keep a constant eye on the firefighters.(Bild: Hannes Wallner)

Practical test(Bild: Hannes Wallner)

Practical and classroom exercises are carried out to ensure that every move is correct in the event of an emergency. In addition to the practical test, there was of course also a written test.(Bild: Hannes Wallner)

All Florianis, such as 16-year-old Lea Tröthan from Föderlach, sacrifice four and a half days of their free time to cram at the school desk and in practice. That deserves the utmost respect.

The basic course, which they all successfully completed on Sunday, is the basis for further training courses in the fire department.