Governance in Mönchengladbach: Challenges and Reform Needs in Fire Services

Governance in Mönchengladbach: Fire Services and Fire Protection in the Focus of Administration

The city of Mönchengladbach has engaged in an intensive discussion about the future of its fire services and fire protection organization in February 2026. The Committee for Fire Services, Public Order, and Disaster Protection presented a detailed report in its meeting on February 3, outlining current challenges and reform proposals. The discussions reveal the extent to which the city is facing personnel shortages, infrastructural deficiencies, and technological shortcomings – and how it intends to address them with long-term strategies.

Structural Deficits and Personnel Problems

The current fire department organization in Mönchengladbach consists of a professional fire department with 367 employees and 34 trainees, as well as a volunteer fire department with 441 members. However, the required staffing level is not met in 15 out of 16 units of the volunteer fire department. Another issue is the age structure: the average age in the professional fire department is 44.7 years, and up to 49 emergency responders will retire by 2028.

The volunteer fire department also urgently requires stabilization. To ensure the minimum staffing requirement of 306 active members, enhanced youth work and membership recruitment are proposed. At the same time, an integrated training concept for the professional fire department is required, as current qualification gaps in key areas such as breathing apparatus carriers and leadership personnel pose a risk.

Fire Protection Needs Planning and Infrastructure

The 2026 Fire Protection Needs Plan has been updated and is based on recommendations from the German Fire Protection Association (AGBF). The goal is to ensure a maximum response time of 8 minutes in core areas and 13 minutes in peripheral areas. According to an expert report, however, the achievement rates are far below the required levels.

Another problem is the structural deficiencies at several fire department locations. Eight out of 21 locations require action, with Fire and Rescue Station I needing to be replaced due to structural issues. In the long term, a reduction and centralization of volunteer fire department locations is planned, with the city divided into four quadrants and eight locations. In addition, it is proposed to equip fire department locations with emergency power supply to make them part of critical infrastructure.

Technology, Digitization, and Crisis Management

In the fire department's technical department, 32 vehicles need to be replaced gradually. A digital command support system for incident coordination is also recommended. A new clothing concept is intended to improve hygiene and readiness for action. The workshops are integrated into Department 37-3 Technology and are responsible for maintenance, care, and administration.

In the field of crisis management, the fire department is part of the critical infrastructure (KRITIS) and must be prepared for exceptional situations. A disaster protection needs plan is recommended to systematically assess risks and provide resources. Cooperation with partners such as the police, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), and private service providers is central.

Funding and Political Priorities

The measures from the fire protection needs plan must be included in the budget planning for 2027 and beyond. A funding concept up to 2030 is recommended, taking into account the costs for the new construction of Fire and Rescue Station I as well as for vehicles and equipment.

Politically, various motions were presented in the meeting. The AfD faction called for a stronger prioritization of security-related issues, while SPD and CDU jointly requested an adjustment to the regulation for the approval of special uses in the restaurant industry. The discussions also showed that political differences came to light regarding the observance of the agenda.

Conclusion: On the Path to a Future-Ready Fire Department

The discussions in the committee show that Mönchengladbach is aware that the fire department and fire protection must meet new challenges in an ever-changing environment. Whether through personnel development, digitization, or infrastructure measures – the city is relying on long-term, strategic planning. The coming years will show whether the proposed reforms are actually implemented and whether the fire department of Mönchengladbach is made fit for the future.