Expensive purchase

“It takes a long time to get a new fire engine”

Fire chief Stefan Wesenauer and local chief Martina Ebner with the "oldie"(Bild: Pressefoto Scharinger/Daniel Scharinger)

The 33-year-old fire engine of the Schleedorf volunteer fire department only just got its sticker. But getting a new one is a feat of strength. Especially for municipalities with a small budget. 

When the alarm is raised, the fire departments in Salzburg's municipalities are on the scene in a flash. The purchase of a new fire engine, on the other hand, takes years, as is currently the case in Schleedorf. According to village chief Martina Ebner, a new one is to be purchased for 456,000 euros. For the municipality with a budget of three million euros, this is a huge chunk - but necessary.

Old-timer struggles uphill with difficulty
"When it goes uphill, it's hard to manage," says commander Stefan Wesenauer, describing the 33-year-old vehicle. "Large fire departments replace their vehicles after 25 years," says Wesenauer, describing the situation in his small community. "You work towards it for a long time. It takes up to four or five years to complete a project like this."

You have to apply for funding and determine exactly what you need. The first talks were held two years ago. Ten months ago, the municipality ordered the new vehicle from Rosenbauer. It is currently being produced.

They are already turning a blind eye to our old vehicle when it comes to the inspection. The team is looking forward to the new acquisition.

Stefan Wesenauer, Kommandant der Feuerwehr Schleedorf

Fire engines are actually only allowed to be in use for a maximum of 30 years. "They already turn a blind eye when it comes to our old vehicle," smiles Wesenauer. It's different abroad. That's why the old Schleedorf vehicle could continue to drive there.

The rule abroad is: it has to drive. Some old tankers have already been sent to Italy. There they are used in rough terrain and for forest fires. If a forest fire gets out of control, the Austrian old vehicle is simply left behind, according to the fire chief.