Berlin fire department swears in 400 recruits as call-outs hit record 558,000

Ceremony at the House of Representatives

Around 400 new recruits officially started their training with the Berlin fire department during a ceremonial oath-taking outside the House of Representatives on 4 July 2026. Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU), President of the House of Representatives Cornelia Seibeld, and State Fire Director Karsten Homrighausen also welcomed about 50 new members of the volunteer fire departments. The central welcome event, attended by many family members, was held in front of the Berlin House of Representatives for the first time.

The Berlin fire department saves Berlin. Since 1851 — so now for 175 years. And 'saving Berlin' means in plain language: saving each and every one, regardless of gender, origin, identity or orientation.

Homrighausen stressed the high level of responsibility that firefighters take on. Wegner praised the commitment, especially of the many new young recruits, calling it a strong sign for society that so many young people choose to serve in the fire department. Interior Senator Iris Spranger (SPD) described the intake as a success for the Berlin fire department's training campaign.

Record workload

Last year the Berlin fire department recorded around 558,000 operations, an increase of 26,136 or almost 5 percent compared to 2024. That was the highest figure since the founding of the Berlin professional fire department in 1851. The rising demand reflects a broader trend of growing emergency calls for fires, storm damage, rescues, and medical emergencies.

Department by the numbers

The professional fire department employs almost 6,000 people, including firefighters and other staff. In addition, around 3,000 volunteers serve in the volunteer fire departments and 49 youth fire departments. The new intake of 400 professional trainees and 50 volunteers adds to a force that has been steadily expanding to meet increasing operational pressure.