Subunit of the wildfire response team

The Donnersberg District Forest Fire Unit has specialized equipment and training for fighting wildfires. The various subunits provide support during such operations throughout the district and can also be called upon by neighboring districts if necessary. Most recently, for example, the forest fire brigade was called upon by the Bad Kreuznach district to assist with the forest fire in Traisen (B 127).

The Winnweiler municipal fire department currently consists of 11 vehicles and approximately 95 firefighters.

• Squad Leader: Jens Königsamen
• Deputy Subunit Leader: Kevin Wiley

In addition to the existing personal protective equipment (PPE), special equipment for fighting wildfires was procured for all members of the wildfire response unit:

• Vallfirest Face Mask with Respiratory Protection (FFP3)
• Multifunctional rescue helmets with goggles (Dräger HPS 3500 Premium Set in red with X-pect 4800 HPS)
• Dönges Wildland Fire Gloves

The units integrated into the wildland fire response team conduct training in wildland fire suppression using the appropriate vehicles and equipment at least four times a year as part of their regular duty schedule. Training sessions on fundamentals, tactics, and techniques are held at the county level as needed, but at least twice a year. In addition, the units are appropriately involved in drills organized by the municipalities and the district.

At least two unit leaders are trained as "Aerial Operations Specialists," since wildfire suppression often involves working in coordination with helicopters. The crews are generally trained as “Type A Firefighting Crews” in accordance with the joint technical recommendation on “Firefighting Crews” and have also completed the “AirOps Basic” training.

In addition to the Winnweiler municipal association, there is also a subunit of the Kirchheimbolanden municipal association. This subunit consists of the municipalities of Kirchheimbolanden, Oberwiesen, and Ilbesheim.