Operation under extreme conditions: ABC train practices in Pleinfeld!

Operation under extreme conditions: ABC train practices in Pleinfeld!

In the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district, extensive training was carried out for the fire brigade and disaster control forces on July 19, 2025, which focused on a so-called ABC scenario. This involved the handling of nuclear, biological and chemical hazardous substances. The exercise took place in the Pleinfeld industrial area, where a fictitious case was simulated: A transporter with a trailer had lost dangerous goods and the emergency services had to react quickly and in a coordinated manner to prevent anything worse from happening. NN.de reports that The truck's load included boxes of white powders, an atomic emitter and a leaking IBC container containing sulfuric acid.

The exercise proved challenging as the driver became trapped under a barrel while attempting to secure the load. The first forces to arrive immediately sent a team wearing respiratory protection to investigate the situation. Fortunately, the driver was quickly freed. Particular attention was paid to the safety of the emergency services, who were well prepared with a decontamination area for injured people and the St. Veit volunteer fire department to warn the population within a one-kilometer radius of the scene.

Operation procedure and decontamination

The operation was divided into three sections, starting with the ABC platoon setting up a decontamination area. ABC-WUG describes that For every ABC use, standard decontamination must be ensured using special personal equipment such as chemical protective suits (CSA). Dirty water is collected and special aids are used to ensure effective decontamination.

The Weissenburg fire brigade's hazardous goods equipment vehicle (GW-G) played a central role by sending forces in chemical protection suits to investigate and recover hazardous substances. Another part of the operation consisted of collecting the escaping sulfuric acid in containers and sealing the leaking container. To tame the dangerous fumes, they were knocked down with water - a critical measure to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

After their work, around 50 firefighters had the opportunity to celebrate their commitment with a hearty snack. District fire inspector Jürgen Zachmann and district fire chief Stephan Pflock expressly thanked them for their willingness to help and emphasized the immense importance of such exercises to improve cooperation and safety in an emergency.

Such training is not only essential for the safety of the emergency services, but also strengthens the population's trust in the capabilities of disaster control. In the Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen district they show how, with a good hand, you can prepare for the unforeseeable.