
Austria's Fire Brigades Intensify Nationwide Training
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In 2024, the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association initiated a sustainable development of fire service training and further education at the federal level with the establishment of the Austrian Fire and Disaster Management Academy, abbreviated as ÖFKAD.
The launch was marked by the release of the program book on International Education Day – January 24.
This year, 23 planned ÖFKAD training events will take place at around 70 locations across Austria, complementing the annual programs of the regional fire schools and training centers. In total, approximately 1,500 fire service members can be trained in 2025.
Disaster Management Training Becoming Increasingly Important
Fire services in Austria are organized federally, and thus fall under the competence of the states. There are nine regional fire brigade associations responsible for training their own members through their fire schools and training centers.
The Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association has been offering cross-state training for several years. With the establishment of ÖFKAD, these efforts will now be consolidated and significantly advanced.
As disaster management is a core competency of Austrian fire services, and the focus on this area will increase in the future, it is considered a priority in nationwide training, divided into seven sectors (“Leadership, Operations and Disaster Management,” “Teaching, Training and Education,” “Communication and Public Relations,” “Preventive Fire Protection,” “Youth Fire Brigade,” “Specializations,” and “Examinations”). Topics such as ground fire suppression, hot training, and flight assistant training are covered, as well as crisis communication, tunnel operations, didactic courses for instructors, and special modules for airport fire brigades.
There will be no academy building; these training events will take place decentralized in the federal states and will be available to a wide range of target groups.
Expanding Competence Together

Klaus Tschabuschnig, the head of the training department at the Federal Fire Brigade Association, stated: “It is clear that the fire service and its tasks are rapidly evolving. I see this in the area of technology, but also in disaster responses. This impacts the tasks and the necessary breadth of competence for our fire leadership, who must prepare accordingly. We have found that there is a noticeable demand, particularly in organizational competencies that also encompass inter-regional tasks. Conversations with several fire commanders, even at higher levels, have clearly expressed this desire. We also know that it is very complex and comprehensive, so it makes sense to collaborate more closely and create something standardized for the Austrian fire service. Ultimately, it is also about planning and developing new learning products and ensuring that this academy grows and the offerings are expanded based on needs.”
President Robert Mayer remarked: “The significance is already high, as seen in existing nationwide formats and how they are received. Particularly at the level of higher leadership, there is already an active exchange. Expanding and enhancing the offerings, as well as improving existing ones, is clearly a high demand that the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association can meet. Two years ago, after my election as Fire President, I visited all federal states and engaged intensively with decision-makers. The topic of joint training was of high importance everywhere. This is not just about professional content but also about exchanging experiences across borders and building networks. I see this as a positive effect and attach great importance to it.”
Further information, as well as the program book and the training calendar, can be found at: https://www.bundesfeuerwehrverband.at/oefkad/
Photos of the event can be used free of charge with proper credit (Philipp Fürst/OÖ LFV):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/oebfv/albums/72177720323386492/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/oebfv/albums/72177720323405274/
Photo credits for attached photos:
ÖFKAD boards, Robert Mayer, Klaus Tschabuschnig, group photo (Photo credit: Philipp Fürst/OÖ LFV) Hot training (Photo credit: Mario Madritsch/KLFV) Tunnel training center (Photo credit: Mathias Seyfert/FEUERWEHR.AT)
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Andreas Rieger, MA
Fire Councilor
Head of Communication Division, Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association
FEUERWEHR.AT - The Print Magazine of the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association
CCO Austrian Fire Brigade Association
CEO ÖBFV Medien GmbH
FEUERWEHR.AT - Official magazine of the Austrian Fire Brigade Association
andreas.rieger@feuerwehr.or.at
Mobile: +43 664 88279831