140 Years Volunteer Fire Brigade Pflochsbach

140 Years of Fire Protection in the Lohr Main Valley

In 1886, the first men in Pflochsbach, then an independent village on the right bank of the Main between Lohr and Marktheidenfeld, joined together to form a Volunteer Fire Brigade. 140 years later, the association – today one of the district fire brigades of the town of Lohr am Main in the Main-Spessart district – is celebrating this anniversary with a festive weekend. The brigade is registered with the District Court of Würzburg under VR 30530. The commander is Julian Heun, his deputy is Tobias Frankenberger; the association's chairman is Eveline Heun.

Pflochsbach – Spessart Village on the Main

Pflochsbach is located in the Lower Franconian district of Main-Spessart (postal code 97816, vehicle registration code MSP), nestled between the wooded heights of the Spessart and the winding Main River. The district has around 800 inhabitants and was incorporated into the town of Lohr am Main in 1972 as part of the Bavarian administrative reform. The fire brigade has traditionally been the backbone of the village community here – organizing not only fire protection but also Carnival balls, May Day celebrations, and the May bonfire.

Festival Tent, Ceremonial Act, and Parade

The anniversary festival follows the classic format of a Franconian fire brigade festival: it kicks off on Saturday afternoon with the tapping of the first beer keg in the festival tent, followed by an evening celebration with live music and dancing. On Sunday, June 14th, the day begins with an ecumenical festive church service, followed by a morning pint (Frühschoppen) and the ceremonial parade through Pflochsbach. Friendly brigades from the Main-Spessart District Fire Brigade Association, music bands from the Spessart, and traditional costume groups from the region will march with their club flags through the main street. A family afternoon with a program for children and youth brigade drills will round off the weekend.

Youth and Florenteenies Brigade

A special feature of the Pflochsbach Volunteer Fire Brigade is its diverse youth work. In addition to the active brigade and the classic youth fire brigade, the association operates a so-called "Florenteenies" group for adolescents in the transitional age and a children's fire brigade – a concept with which the Pflochsbach Volunteer Fire Brigade was a pioneer in Main-Spessart. These groups will present themselves with drills and demonstrations at the anniversary festival.

Program Highlights

• Saturday, June 13th — Tapping of the beer keg, ceremonial act with honors, evening celebration with live music
• Sunday, June 14th — Ecumenical festive church service, morning pint (Frühschoppen)
• Parade with friendly brigades from the Main-Spessart District Fire Brigade Association
• Family afternoon with children's program
• Demonstration drills by the youth, Florenteenies, and children's fire brigade
• Franconian specialties and beer from regional breweries

Pflochsbach is easily accessible by car via the B26 or the A3 (Lohr exit). A bus connection to the district runs from Lohr-Bahnhof station. The anniversary festival promises an authentic piece of Spessart tradition.