The parking lot of the school and sports center had probably only seen such a large gathering of people as recently during larger events at the middle school or in the Kordigasthalle.
The reason for this was a lantern and light parade that the Lichtenfels district fire brigade held for its young members.
And the interest was immense: 240 children met at the starting point. There had already been a lantern hike by the youth fire departments. The new head of the “Children’s Fire Department”, district fire chief Bianca Zapf, has worked to ensure that this is now also possible with the groups of the individual fire departments with children.
For all children aged six and over
She said that it had become necessary to enable the children’s fire brigades to be included in the district’s youth fire brigade and that a change to the district youth regulations was necessary for this. This was unanimously approved at a meeting of all those involved.
It has become dark and the young participants proudly show their lights.
With the inclusion of children’s fire brigades, they also have the opportunity to apply for subsidies for activities and become active themselves. Zapf has now been appointed head of department.
“Why shouldn’t the children also enjoy an event like this, which is already very popular among young people?” was the question. Ultimately there were no objections, not even from the 29 children’s fire departments.
Even the youngest children from the age of six can take part in the children’s fire brigade. Our youngest children get to know the fire department, its tasks and equipment in a playful way. District youth fire brigade warden and district fire chief Tino Schamberger was also pleased that children’s and youth fire brigades would in future also be united under one roof at district level and that individual events could take place: “Children and youth hand in hand for a common future” was the motto.
Parents and children move through Altenkunstadt together. Photo: Roland Dietz
After everyone had set off, we went through the school and sports grounds through the almost fairytale-like forest behind the school up to Woffendorf. A small road closure even had to be made there so that everyone could get to the Altenkunstadt fire station without an accident. We initially fortified ourselves with sausages and various drinks. “Löscherla”, “Löschkids” “Löschfrösche” or firefighting gang happily romped around together outside and inside in the fire station of the Altenkunstadt fire station.
There was no fear of contact with like-minded people. Everyone tried to get the wobbly tower made of pieces of wood as high as possible.
After dark it was time to set off again. The children and their companions and carers walked back the route with glowing torches, flashlights, lanterns or lanterns.
By Roland Dietz
