Schroeder first discussed the dry weather conditions of recent months and the increased number of fires recorded since mid June. With 145 deployments due to forest and field fires, the rate almost doubled compared to regular years.
Schroeder noted that nine out of ten fires are provoked by people, with thrown-away cigarettes remaining one of the most common causes.
Since the frequency of such fires is expected to remain elevated in coming years, the CGDIS is currently upgrading its arsenal of firefighting equipment and introducing new advanced training for its employees.
While people are starting to feel at home at the new CGDIS headquarters in Gasperich, authorities already consider setting up another center in the Alzette valley. At the moment, the CGDIS has 800 full-time employees, out of whom 600 are professional firefighters.
Schroeder concluded the interview by providing further insight into the World Rescue Challenge, more commonly known as the firefighting world cup, which will take place at the CGDIS centre in Cloche d’Or from Thursday to Sunday.
