ADVERTISING
Fire stations in a dilapidated state – planning to begin in 2025
As the Riedstadt press office reports, the city council cleared the way for the construction of a new fire station for Erfelden and Goddelau on March 13, 2025. Following a thorough examination of the structural condition of the existing fire stations, the committees lifted the previously imposed freeze. This means that the necessary preliminary investigations, expert reports, and construction planning can begin this year.
Inspection reveals significant deficiencies in existing fire stations
Before making a decision, the members of the building committee visited the fire stations in Erfelden and Goddelau to get a firsthand look at the conditions. The tours, led by city fire inspector Markus Kölsch and the respective fire chiefs, revealed significant deficiencies
- In Erfelden:
- Vehicle halls that are too small, insufficient parking spaces
- Lack of storage space means equipment has to be stored in the hall
- No separation of clean and dirty laundry; turnout gear hangs in diesel fumes
- Water damage, dilapidated roof, lack of separate showers for women and men
- In Goddelau:
- Temporary structure from the year 2000 with a non-compliant entrance and exit
- Changing rooms are too small, and arriving and departing emergency personnel get in the way
- Only one working shower, dilapidated roof
- Inadequate workshop for the maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
New building on the B44 is intended to make fire departments fit for the future
In light of these conditions, the volunteer fire departments of Erfelden and Goddelau decided as early as 2022 to establish a joint fire station. This is to be built on a plot of land at the intersection of B44 and K156 – opposite the former McDonald's. In addition to modern vehicle and storage facilities, it will also house a central warehouse for the entire Riedstadt fire department, thus relieving the burden on the individual district fire departments.
Despite the obvious need, the city council initially placed a spending freeze on the project to explore alternative solutions. Following an inspection, it became clear that renovating the existing fire stations was not a viable option. Therefore, the committees unanimously lifted the spending freeze, allowing the planning process to begin.
Next steps: Construction planning begins in 2025
The city council has decided that the following measures will be initiated in 2025:
- Preliminary investigations and expert reports for the construction project
- Initiation of the zoning plan procedure with amendment of the land use plan
- Preparation of a development plan for the fire station site
- Planning of the development and open spaces
- Tendering of planning contracts via the Municipal Procurement Center (KVZ) Groß-Gerau
The draft and approval plans must be submitted to the city council for final approval. Mayor Marcus Kretschmann emphasized the urgency of the project: “The new building is essential. The current situation of the fire departments jeopardizes their operational readiness. Swift implementation is necessary.”
(RIEDSTADT – RED/PSR)
Erfelden fire chief Thomas Henzelmann and city fire inspector Markus Kölsch showed committee members the fully equipped vehicle hall of the Erfelden volunteer fire department.
(Photo: City of Riedstadt)
