Berlin Firefighters Respond to Record Number of Calls on New Year’s Eve
Berlin’s firefighters responded to a record number of emergency calls on New Year’s Eve, with a total of 1,892 incidents reported, a 18% increase from the previous year. The Berlin Fire Department declared a state of emergency at 7 pm, deploying over 1,500 personnel, including 500 volunteer firefighters, to tackle the surge in calls.
The department reported that 825 fires, 847 rescue operations, and 220 technical assistance calls were made, with a notable increase in fires in residential buildings with people in danger. Two incidents of significant property damage were caused by pyrotechnic devices.
In a statement, Berlin’s Landesbranddirektor Karsten Homrighausen condemned the violence against firefighters and vowed to take legal action against those responsible. Despite the challenges, no firefighters were reported to have been injured.
Meanwhile, the Berlin Police reported a total of 330 arrests in connection with New Year’s Eve festivities, with one officer seriously injured after being hit by a pyrotechnic device. The officer required hospital treatment and surgery.