Powering a New Generation of Young Firefighters

For young people, learning about firefighting is not just about understanding fire safety. It is about discovering technology, teamwork and responsibility through hands-on experience.

In Anhausen, Germany, a unique project is bringing these ideas together: the local volunteer fire brigade is building a children’s fire engine designed specifically for youth training. AFERIY is proud to support the project with an AFERIY P280 portable power station, providing reliable mobile power for the vehicle and its training activities.

The idea comes from Michael Sohr, who is responsible for youth activities at the local volunteer fire brigade and also serves on the youth committee of the Augsburg District Youth Fire Brigade. As part of his final year studying mechatronics at a technical school in Augsburg, Michael is required to independently develop and complete a technical graduation project. He chose something with a purpose beyond the classroom: designing, planning and programming a children’s fire engine that can eventually be used by the local children’s fire brigade.

The goal is to make firefighting education more engaging and hands-on. Through practical activities, children will be able to learn about basic firefighting techniques, hose handling, technical equipment and fire safety in a way that is both educational and fun.

The project has also received support from the Augsburg District Government, highlighting its value to local youth development.

Building a vehicle like this requires more than its exterior. The project team has already received support from several partners. Rosenbauer is providing the roller shutters for the sides of the vehicle, while Blaulichtverkauf.de is assisting with the warning light system.

The team also needed a reliable and flexible source of mobile power to operate the vehicle’s lighting, displays, control systems and other electrical equipment. That is where the AFERIY P280 comes in. With its portable design and powerful energy capacity, the P280 provides an independent power source that can be used wherever the children’s fire engine is deployed — from training sessions to community events.

For a project designed to bring firefighting technology closer to children, having reliable power means greater flexibility and fewer limitations.

In the video, Project Manager Michael Sohr, Fire Chief Peter Ipfelkofer, and Vice President Julia Bayer will provide an in-depth look at the project and demonstrate the role of portable power banks in children's fire trucks.

The children’s fire engine is expected to be unique in the Augsburg district, with only a small number of similar projects across Bavaria. But its significance goes beyond being a technical innovation.

By giving children the opportunity to explore firefighting equipment, practice basic skills and experience technology firsthand, the project helps make joining the fire service more accessible and exciting for the next generation. It is also an investment in the future of volunteer firefighting — helping young people develop an early interest in teamwork, responsibility and community service.

As Michael explains, reliable power is essential for the project:

The children’s fire engine is still taking shape, but its purpose is already clear: to make firefighting education more engaging, technology more accessible and the next generation better prepared for the future. AFERIY is proud to support Michael and the Anhausen volunteer fire brigade on this journey. Because sometimes, power is not just about keeping equipment running. It is about helping people learn, grow and build what comes next.

AFERIY — My Power, My Free Way.