Magirus expands beyond fire with new Defense & Security unit

by Featured NewsVehicles

Fire portfolio expands at Magirus

Magirus has established Defense & Security as an independent strategic business unit within the Magirus Group, alongside the ongoing integration of its Radfeld site in Austria.

Magirus announced the change on 26 March 2026, stating that the Radfeld site originated from the acquisition of Achleitner Fahrzeugbau GmbH.

The company said operational processes at the Austrian site are being transferred into Magirus Group structures.

Rebranding of the Radfeld site into the Magirus Group is scheduled to be completed in April 2026.

Magirus said no merger of the legal entities is planned.

The company said the aim is to realise synergies and retain the Radfeld site’s identity, experience and core competencies.

As part of the reorganisation, former Managing Director Ewald Gattermayr has left the company.

Fatmir Veselaj, CEO of the Magirus Group, said: “I would like to thank Ewald Gattermayr for his work and his contribution to the development of the company, and wish him all the best for his professional future.

“With the integration of the Tyrolean site, we are consistently delivering on what we set out to do.”

“The combination of specialised expertise and the strength of our Group creates a symbiosis that positions us excellently in the Defense & Security segment.”

Radfeld site and production plans

Magirus said the new business segment develops and manufactures specialised vehicle solutions for armed forces, security authorities and operators of critical infrastructure.

It also covers highly specialised vehicles for deployment in demanding terrain.

The company said the segment is intended to extend the existing Magirus portfolio beyond fire and disaster control.

Targeted investments are planned to scale production capacities at the Radfeld site.

Magirus said the site is intended to remain in place and serve as a central part of the Group’s Defense & Security business segment.

The announcement states that Magirus is expanding its scope beyond fire and disaster control while keeping its long-standing focus on technology intended to protect the public and first responders.

Austria Fire Services release 2024 firefighter statistics

by Featured News

The newly released 2024 firefighter statistics highlight a record-breaking year for Austria’s Fire Services. Despite an increase in emergency calls, the country’s firefighters have proven to be more capable than ever, according to a recent press release from the Austrian Fire Service Association. 

Austria Fire Services have released their 2024 firefighter statistics, highlighting a record-breaking year.

According to a recent press release from the Austrian Fire Service Association, that despite an increase in emergency calls, the country’s firefighters have proven to be more capable than ever.

In 2024, Austrian firefighters responded to approximately 36,000 more incidents than the previous year, with a total of 339,516 emergency calls.

Among these, 246,999 were technical operations (such as traffic accidents, storm damage, floods and hazardous material incidents) and 65,233 were fire-related emergencies.

Increase in emergency calls, particularly due to floods

The report found that one of the biggest challenges came in September 2024, when floods hit eastern Austria.

Thanks to a steady increase in firefighter membership, Austria’s emergency services were able to mobilize thousands of personnel from across the country to assist in Lower Austria without compromising local readiness in their home regions.

Record number of flood responses

Severe weather incidents accounted for much of the increase in technical calls, as per the report.

In 2023, Austrian fire departments handled 57,527 weather-related emergencies—but in 2024, this number surged to 70,310 due to extreme flooding, storm damage, and snow-related incidents.

President, Austrian Fire Service Association, Robert Mayer’s statement

Austrian Fire Service Association’s President Robert Mayer praised the firefighters’ efficiency and teamwork, noting that for the first time, all nine Austrian federal states worked together on a single flood disaster response in Lower Austria. 

Mayer shared: “Our system, organization, equipment, training and coordination have once again proven their effectiveness.”

Looking ahead, Mayer added: “”Our fire services are stronger than ever and well-prepared for the future.”

“As Austria’s no. 1 disaster response force, we’ve once again proven that we can deliver fast, professional, and sustainable emergency assistance—even under the most challenging conditions.”

Fire Chief, Lower Austria, Dietmar Fahrafellner’s statement

Lower Austria’s Fire Chief Dietmar Fahrafellner emphasized that the 2024 floods were a major challenge, but Austria’s Fire Services had the necessary resources, personnel, and experience to respond effectively. 

Fahrafellner said, crediting strategic investments in disaster response for their success: “We proved once again that we can be relied upon in any situation.”

Over 10,000 people and nearly 7,000 animals rescued

One of the most striking statistics from 2024 is the 10,467 people and 6,965 animals rescued by Austria’s firefighters. These numbers do not include rescues from Vienna and Vorarlberg, meaning the true total is even higher.

Growing membership & increasing female participation

The report also found that the Austrian Fire Services continued to grow in 2024, with 355,379 total members, an increase of 1,581 from 2023.

The number of active firefighters rose slightly to 258,074, while youth firefighter membership saw a more significant increase of 1,418, bringing the total to 37,720 young members aged 10 to 16.

Notably, the percentage of female firefighters surpassed 10% for the first time. With 36,003 women and girls now serving, female participation has increased by 189% since 2008.

Austria currently has 4,767 fire departments, including 4,450 volunteer fire stations, 311 industrial fire brigades and six professional fire departments.

2024 firefighter statistics shared by Austria Fire Services: Summary

The newly announced 2024 firefighter statistics highlight a record-breaking year for Austria’s Fire Services, showcasing their growing membership, increased female participation and increased emergency response.

Austrian operational fire brigades support industries

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured News

Innovations and challenges discussed at the conference

As reported by CTIF, 500 people attended the third specialized conference of Austrian operational fire brigades in Bergheim near Salzburg.

The two-day event focused on essential innovations and future challenges in operational fire protection.

The conference, held every four years by the Specialist Committee of the Operational Fire Brigades of the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association (ÖBFV), included a specialist exhibition with over 50 companies.

The pandemic extended the interval between conferences to seven years, with the last event held in 2017.

Thomas Docekal, Chairman of the Austrian operational fire brigades, stated: “I see the conference as an important component in the training of our members in preventive and defensive fire protection.

“It offers us the opportunity to look beyond the borders of our own federal state and to strengthen our network.”

The role of operational fire brigades

Fire Brigade President Robert Mayer commented: “Defensive fire protection cannot compensate for preventive fire protection.

“Therefore, operational fire brigades play a central role in the safety of a company or institution.

“The conference provided a perfect framework for further education, exchange, and knowledge transfer.”

During a panel discussion, the economic benefits of operational fire brigades for companies were highlighted.

Docekal added: “Depending on the economic situation, operational fire brigades are often a topic of discussion in executive suites. It is necessary to constantly make persuasive arguments.”

Feedback from companies

“We have received feedback from several companies that the operational fire brigade is an important support in the company because it ensures safety,” said Docekal.

He emphasized the role of fire brigade members as first responders who are familiar with the area and can intervene quickly.

Operational fire brigades are crucial for preventing and minimizing damages in emergencies.

They maintain close coordination with management and understand the priorities of their respective companies.

Background on Austrian operational fire brigades

In Austria, there are 313 operational fire brigades within various facilities such as industrial plants, hospitals, airports, and shopping centres.

These brigades primarily focus on preventive measures to protect premises, employees, and customers.

Operational fire brigades may be mandated by authorities or voluntarily established by companies.

They consist of full-time staff, mixed forms, or purely voluntary members.

These brigades are represented by their regional fire brigade association, and members receive specified training.