Speeding on emergency call: Firefighter faces court over speeding ticket after fire alarm

A firefighter's urgent response to a fire alarm has landed him in court, sparking debate over the balance between speed and safety on emergency calls.

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I was alerted because of a fire report at a primary school, was on the road with blue lights and sirens, and made sure not to endanger anyone.

The 55-year-old, who is also a paramedic, was caught by a speed camera traveling at 69 km/h in a 30 km/h zone near a construction site. He was responding to a fire alert at a primary school, with his emergency lights and siren activated.

"I was alerted because of a fire report at a primary school, was on the road with blue lights and sirens, and made sure not to endanger anyone," the firefighter told the Eilenburg District Court. He emphasized that there was no oncoming traffic and no pedestrians or cyclists present at the time, asserting he posed no danger.

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I had no oncoming traffic, and there was no pedestrian or cyclist on the spot either. I did not endanger anyone.

Despite his defense, the town issued a fine of 369 euros and a one-month driving ban. Officials stated that while fire services have special rights during emergencies, not all rules are suspended. Speed and risk must be constantly weighed.

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Every second counts when there is a fire report.

The case has caused significant local attention, reportedly leading to the man's resignation from the volunteer fire department after 34 years of service, with several colleagues also quitting in solidarity. Concrete regulations on how fast emergency responders can drive are not specified, but the German Road Traffic Act allows for exemptions when "highest urgency is required to save human lives or avert serious health damage," provided public safety is maintained.

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I am on duty for the community to help, and then I receive this fine instead of support.