Fire brigade reform in Bavaria: age limit for 67 years!

Fire brigade reform in Bavaria: age limit for 67 years!

A comprehensive discussion about the future of the fire service started about a year ago and has now set important course. On July 3, 2025, the Bavarian state parliament decided on a change in the law to the fire brigade law, which brings numerous improvements for the approximately 320,000 volunteers in the Free State. This is reported by the Nuremberg News, which focuses on the decisive role of Norbert Dünkel, the fire brigade spokesman for the CSU parliamentary group.

One of the central changes is to increase the age limit for active fire service: in the future the service will no longer end at the age of 65, but only with the statutory retirement age of currently 67 years. The aim of this adaptation is to take into account the increased life expectancy and the fitness of older firefighters. Bavaria is therefore committed to promoting the fire service in the region, which also underlines Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann.

new compensation and legal clarity

Another positive aspect of the new amendment to the law is the introduction of compensation for instructors at the location and district level. This measure aims to upgrade the valuable work of the trainers and ensure that they are appropriately rewarded for their use. In addition, the change in the law brings innovations in the legal basis for cost reimbursement in the event of false alarms through the Ecall emergency call system. Here it is clearly regulated in which cases reclaims are justified.

The improved data protection regulations in connection with image recordings by drones or extinguishing robots are also particularly important. These legal framework should make it easier for firefighters to use modern technologies without endangering the privacy of citizens.

a project with broad support

The amendment to the law met with broad approval in the state parliament: All committees involved voted unanimously and without changes. The official publication in the Bavarian Legal and Ordinance sheet is scheduled for July 15, 2025, while the law will come into force on July 16, 2025. The changes reflect the endeavors to optimize the fire service and adapt to today's needs.

In a time when the challenges for fire brigades grow, it is important that the municipalities and the Free State create the necessary framework conditions to ensure the service for citizens. The current adjustments are a step in the right direction and show that politics has an open ear for the interests of the fire brigade.

The websites of the Interior Ministry and the State Fire Brigade Association are available for further information about the amendment to the Bavarian Fire Brigade Act: stmi and LFV Bayern .