The Fluorn-Winzeln Fire Department at RUWI

Thank you, Fluorn-Winzeln Fire Department

During a training exercise in June 2026, several emergency vehicles pulled into our yard. Hoses were laid out across the asphalt, the turntable ladder extended, and nozzles were set up. The Fluorn-Winzeln Volunteer Fire Department had chosen our new building as the site for their drill—Commander Wolfgang Heim had helped us plan the evening. The scenario: a fire in the warehouse.

Firefighting operation in progress

A job well done, a clear plan

That evening, we saw what safety really means in an emergency. Within minutes, the water supply was up and running, every team knew its role, and a situation board at the command post tracked who was working where. As they worked, the firefighters explained the structure of the firefighting operation and what matters most in a building like ours.

Fire Chief Wolfgang Heim explains the procedure to us

A weir that handles more than you'd expect

For a town with about 3,200 residents, the fire department has its own aerial ladder truck—something that is by no means a given. It also responds to calls in neighboring towns when high-rise rescues are needed there. The fire department is supported by over 40 active members, plus a youth fire brigade and a children’s group where the next generation is already training. All of this is done on a volunteer basis, alongside their jobs and families. And they’re there when it counts.

The turntable ladder above our roof

Afterward: a tour, sausage, and beer

After the exercise, we switched roles: We gave the team a tour of the building and showed them what RUWI does—from the workshop to the administrative offices. Then we fired up the grill.

What remains

Gratitude. The volunteers take responsibility for our region—we made that very clear this evening. Thank you to Commander Wolfgang Heim and the entire fire department. Evenings like this are truly moving.