175 Years of Biberach Fire Brigade

For centuries, fire was the greatest threat to old towns. Due to the high density of buildings, especially wooden houses, and the daily use of open fire, the risk of fire was immense. Attempts were made to minimize the risks with extensive fire regulations and well-staffed »Löschrotten« [fire brigades]. But it was not until 1849, when Biberach gymnasts formed a well-equipped and physically trained »pompier corps«, that greater safety was achieved.

The former »pump crew« became our voluntary fire brigade, which will celebrate its 175th anniversary in 2024. To mark the occasion, the Biberach Museum is planning a major jubilee exhibition which will commemorate major historical fires and disasters in Biberach, show original film and photographic material and present authentic fire-fighting equipment, from Biberach’s oldest surviving manual fire pump from around 1790 to the hydraulic spreader currently used in car accidents. The history of the little-known J.G. Lieb fire brigade prop factory is also told.

The centerpiece of the exhibition is a portrait of today’s Biberach fire brigade, its equipment, its achievements and its people. A comparison with the inadequate fire protection of earlier centuries illustrates the great progress made with the establishment of an organized fire brigade in the 19th century. This is not something to be taken for granted, but a historic achievement and, above all, voluntary and honorary work for all of us and our safety.