The siren’s wail still echoes in my memory a piercing cry cutting through the quiet of Oberschöneweide. This is the Freiwillige Feuerwehr Oberschöneweide a place steeped in history and heroism.
For over a century the Freiwillige Feuerwehr Oberschöneweide has served this community. Founded in 1897 its original fire station was completed the following year a testament to the community’s dedication to safety. The station itself witnessed the tumultuous changes of Berlin’s history. From its incorporation into Greater Berlin in 1920 to the devastation of World War II. Even in the dark days of 1945 one room tragically served as a makeshift morgue for the Königin Elisabeth hospital. Later the station faced looting and military occupation. Yet the spirit of the Freiwillige Feuerwehr Oberschöneweide persevered. Former firefighters resumed service using a hand-pulled fire engine. They eventually transitioned back to a volunteer force in 1948 answering the call to duty despite challenges.
The Freiwillige Feuerwehr Oberschöneweide is a Type A fire station. This means they respond to emergencies within a 4-5 minute radius. It’s quite remarkable considering they’re staffed by volunteers. Their operational hours are Monday to Friday 5 PM to 5 AM and 24/7 on weekends and holidays. Because the firefighters have regular jobs a continuous 24-hour service is impossible. Neighbouring stations cover the gaps. Firefighters are alerted via radio pagers. They rush to the station gear up and head to the scene.
But the Freiwillige Feuerwehr Oberschöneweide isn’t just about firefighting. The station has a remarkable First Responder program. Since 2009 a red Opel Corsa has been deployed for medical emergencies. This quick response often saves lives. They handle a staggering 500 to 600 calls annually far exceeding the average 200 calls for fire-related incidents. In 2015 they even had a record-breaking 736 calls. Their area of operation includes the neighboring districts of Baumschulenweg and Plänterwald.
The station has 18 active volunteers including two women. What truly sets the Freiwillige Feuerwehr Oberschöneweide apart is its unique youth program. It includes both a youth fire brigade and a children’s group introducing pre-schoolers to firefighting. The building needs renovation. Plans exist but that’s a story for another day.
The Freiwillige Feuerwehr Oberschöneweide is more than just a building. It is the heart of this community a constant presence dedicated to its safety and well-being for over a century. It’s a place where courage and dedication are not just words but actions. A place where history and heroism intertwine. A place I invite you to remember.