140 Years Volunteer Fire Brigade Bönebüttel — Anniversary Festival

140 Years of Civic Engagement and Fire Protection

The founding of the Volunteer Fire Brigade Bönebüttel falls into a time when all of Schleswig-Holstein was systematically covered by fire protection organizations. The brigade was founded in the village in 1886 — as a civic commitment by the young men of the community to jointly protect their farms, houses, and barns in emergencies. What began as a pragmatic response to the regular fires in predominantly agricultural villages is now a modern emergency response organization with breathing apparatus, water tender vehicles, and digital alerting.

Five Years of Youth Fire Brigade

2026 is not only the year of the brigade's 140th anniversary — the Bönebüttel Youth Fire Brigade (JFF) is also celebrating its fifth birthday. The JFF is aimed at young people aged 10 to 18, who are playfully introduced to the tasks of the fire brigade, thus building the next generation of emergency personnel. Both anniversaries will be celebrated together on June 6, 2026.

Program of the Anniversary Festival

The exact program will be published by the brigade leadership shortly before the date — however, a fire brigade anniversary traditionally includes a parade through the village, demonstrations of technical exercises (water hose course, extrication from trapped vehicles, breathing apparatus demonstrations), a buffet with suckling pig or bratwurst, speeches by the mayor and the brigade leadership, and a social evening with live music. An exhibition of historical fire fighting equipment (from horse-drawn pumps to modern LF20) is also conceivable.

Bönebüttel and the Association Landscape of the Plön District

Bönebüttel has around 1,800 inhabitants and is located in the Bokhorst-Wankendorf office, between Neumünster and Plön. As in many small communities in the state of Schleswig-Holstein, the Volunteer Fire Brigade forms the backbone of civic life. It not only organizes fire protection but also many other events — from the May bonfire to the Advent celebration. The 140th-anniversary celebration is therefore more than just an association festival; it is a village festival that fosters identity.