BeeWild – Youth Fire Brigade Week: Austria’s Top 3 Projects Honoured
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“We protect what matters – people and nature.”
Under this motto, around 38,000 boys and girls from Austria’s Youth Fire Brigades joined forces with the BeeWild conservation initiative to make a strong statement for biodiversity. On August 23, the project week—held in April 2025—concluded with a major awards ceremony:
🏆 1st Place: FF Achenlohe, Upper Austria
🥈 2nd Place: FF Heiligenkreuz, Lower Austria
🥉 3rd Place: FF Kuchl, Salzburg
Austria’s fire brigades represent far more than fire protection. Through their social responsibility, they actively contribute to environmental preservation—and help reduce natural disasters. The Youth Fire Brigades, in particular, demonstrate how vital environmental awareness is for the future.
From April 14 to 20, 2025, Youth Fire Brigade Week took place across Austria. Approximately 70,000 m² of bee pastures were sown, and hundreds of conservation projects were carried out by youth groups. Short videos documenting these efforts were submitted to the organizers—the Austrian Federal Fire Brigade Association and BeeWild. Each state fire brigade association selected a regional winner, and a panel of experts then chose Austria’s Top 3 projects. The announcement was made on August 23 during the national Youth Fire Brigade performance competition in Weiz, Styria.
“In recent weeks, the submitted videos were reviewed for proper execution, creativity, and overall impact. It was a tough challenge, as all entries showed great effort and impressive results,” said Manfred Eibl, head of the Youth Fire Brigade division at the Federal Fire Brigade Association.
Upper Austria Leads the Way
- 1st Place: FF Achenlohe impressed with a multifaceted approach and precise craftsmanship. The sponsor “SWITCH Strom. Just simple.” awarded €3,000 to the youth brigade’s fund, and “Thalheimer Heilwasser” donated a year’s supply of lemonade.
- 2nd Place: FF Heiligenkreuz showcased versatility and strong commitment. They received €2,000 from “SWITCH Strom.”
- 3rd Place: FF Kuchl convinced the jury with extensive measures and earned €1,000 from “SWITCH Strom.”
🎥 The winning videos and regional champions are available online on Austria’s Federal Fire Brigade Association website.
Fire Brigade President Robert Mayer, who received the BeeWild Award 2025 in June, stated:
“I warmly congratulate the Top 3 groups and thank all youth brigades who participated in BeeWild Week 2025. I hope these projects inspire lasting change in their regions and guide the younger generation toward biodiversity and healthy soils.”
Miniature versions of the BeeWild Award were presented to all nine state fire brigade associations in Weiz—marking the first time such a custom edition was created, symbolizing deep appreciation and unity.
BeeWild founder Manfred Hohensinner added:
“This shows what youth can achieve: they’re building their own future. My heartfelt request to all young people is to keep going and inspire others. What Austria’s Youth Fire Brigades have demonstrated here is a model not just for Austria, but far beyond.”
📸 Photo credits (excluding video screenshots): Anton Wegscheider
More photos of the awards ceremony:
