Fire

Here you will find specific guidance and advice on how to behave in the event of various fire incidents.



In your own house/high-rise

  • Dial the emergency number 112
  • In the event of danger, leave the building immediately
  • Do not use the lift
  • Don’t put yourself in danger
  • If the situation permits
    • If fire extinguishers are available and the fire is still in its early stages, put it out
    • Take important documents with you, provided it can be done safely
    • Warn flatmates
    • Think of the animals
    • Helping older people and those with limited mobility
  • Find out in advance about escape routes, particularly in high-rise buildings and unfamiliar buildings such as hotels


Forest fire

A green sign with a white cross and the inscription 'Meeting point for emergency vehicles OF-227' on a tree in the woods
Example image of a forest rescue point – in this case, point OF-227
  • If you come across someone in distress, dial 112
  • Go to a forest first-aid post
  • Give the fire brigade instructions on arrival
  • Get to safety
  • Warn other forest visitors
  • View information on the risk of forest fires in the German Weather Service’s Forest Fire Risk Index (WBI )


Commercial and industrial fires

  • If you come across someone in distress, dial 112
  • Close the windows and doors
  • Switch off ventilation and air-conditioning systems
  • As a local resident, please pay attention to warning messages (radio broadcasts or warning apps such as NINA or KATWARN)
  • Avoid spending unnecessary time outdoors
  • Avoid the incident site


Prevention and early intervention

  • Install smoke alarms
  • Keep fire extinguishers to hand and service them regularly
  • Provide information on escape routes in buildings in advance
  • For large buildings, also provide information on the availability of an emergency stairwell or a fire service lift
  • Keep important documents in a fireproof container that can be accessed quickly in an emergency