Local press in Swabia, in southwest Germany, report that a fire has caused millions of Euros of damage at the Kressbronn fire station. The fire was reported at around 17:00 on 24th July. On arrival the fire-fighters found they were unable to access their equipment and so had to watch the fire burn. 120 fire-fighters from the surrounding area attended. All the fire engines and breathing apparatus were destroyed, the only undamaged vehicle being a transport vehicle which was outside the building.
Fires in fire stations occur more often than one might think. Few fire stations are fitted with fire protection systems and many are not permanently manned. Recognising the risk, a number of new fire stations in the UK have been fitted with sprinklers.