Red Farmer: Connecting Farmers and Firefighters in Crisis Situations
Farmers in Southern Europe are aiding firefighting efforts with their agricultural machinery. The Red Farmer platform connects farmers and fire departments for better support during emergencies.
In the face of wildfires raging across Southern Europe, farmers are stepping up to assist emergency services by deploying their vehicles equipped with water and slurry tanks. This collaboration not only highlights the crucial role of agricultural machinery but also showcases a growing partnership between farmers and firefighters in Germany, particularly during forest and field fires. Agricultural equipment such as cultivators, tractors, and disc harrows can significantly aid firefighting efforts.
To enhance the coordination between farms and fire departments, farmer Thomas Knecht, alongside Ingo Pfalzgraf, launched the online platform Red Farmer in 2023. This initiative has become increasingly vital as it allows vehicle owners to register their equipment and locations, while fire departments can search for available assistance and machinery within a specified radius, disregarding district boundaries. The principle guiding farmers is clear: "We help the helpers."
Agricultural Equipment in Firefighting Efforts
According to Knecht, the water and slurry tanks used in agriculture can hold approximately ten times more liquid than standard fire department tanks. Additionally, cultivators and disc harrows are instrumental in creating firebreaks, while wheel loaders can clear debris from affected areas. These types of vehicles are not typically found in fire department inventories, but they are readily available among winemakers, contractors, and farmers, many of whom are also volunteer firefighters. In the event of a fire, the incident commander often calls upon others for assistance as well.
However, it is not always guaranteed that the necessary vehicles are available nearby, leading to sometimes cumbersome searches. During various large-scale incidents, Thomas Knecht, who is also an experienced firefighter, realized the need to think beyond district borders. With an investment of €20,000, the first version of Red Farmer was developed, attracting immediate interest. Support from sponsors such as Fendt and various regional farmers' associations has been instrumental in the initiative's growth.
The Bavarian Farmers' Association, in collaboration with the Firefighters' Association, has rolled out the platform across the region, with Schleswig-Holstein joining the effort this year. Knecht reports that Red Farmer is now represented in nearly every federal state, boasting around 1,300 registered machines, 40 drones, and 150 fire departments. The ongoing drought has led to a daily increase in registrations, and an app is in the works, pending sufficient donations.
