Dilapidated fire station in Blumenthal: renovation or new construction?

Dilapidated fire station in Blumenthal: renovation or new construction?

In Blumenthal we are currently working hard on the future of the dilapidated fire station. Experts have already taken samples to check the statics of the approximately 90-year-old building. The discovery of asbestos by previous inspectors is of particular concern, which further complicates the situation surrounding the renovation plans. The interior authority has identified the need for extensive renovation and a cost estimate for the necessary work is planned for the end of October. This important information comes from Weser courier.

The situation is explosive because the ceiling beams in the basement are already starting to crack and parking fire engines is a major problem. Parts of the vehicle fleet had to be relocated, which as a preventive measure led to entry into the basement being banned. The youth fire brigade is currently using premises in the neighboring police station, which is not ideal.

Political discussions and possible new building plans

The various political parties in the district are particularly active in the debate surrounding the fire station. Canan Sevil, deputy spokeswoman for Interior Senator Ulrich Mäurer (SPD), announced talks between the fire department and Bremen real estate. A final decision about the operations center should be made in these discussions. The CDU has been campaigning for a new building for a long time, convinced that the old building can no longer be saved. All parties in the district parliament agree that a new location for the fire department is necessary, ideally close to the motorway.

A new building could prove to be the more economical solution - but this depends on the cost estimate for the renovation. Immobilien Bremen has also made suggestions as to how the old cellar ceiling could be removed and a new one installed. It is stated that this must not disturb the emergency services, which further complicates the planning.

A long overdue step towards improvement

The renovation of dilapidated fire stations is an urgent issue, especially with regard to the safety and working conditions of firefighters. In Bavaria, Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann has announced that he will expand funding for the fire service because the renovation of such buildings is long overdue. Florian Siekmann, spokesman for interior affairs for the state parliament's Green Party, emphasizes that proper equipment for the fire department significantly increases the motivation of emergency services. This is also a central concern in Bremen, because the Blumenthal fire department in particular is one of the main fire departments and is frequently alerted.

Asbestos is also confronted in this discussion. Materials containing asbestos were used until the late 1990s and its danger is evident. Contamination cannot be ruled out, especially in older buildings. It is crucial that emergency services are protected and that appropriate measures are taken to avert danger. This is becoming increasingly important in the restructuring discussion, as on safe-firefighting.de is explained.

The next steps in the debate about the Blumenthal fire station are crucial. It remains to be hoped that the planned discussions between those involved will be fruitful and a sustainable solution can be developed for the fire department in Blumenthal.