Solstice Bonfire of the Hallbergmoos Volunteer Fire Brigade

Both the solstice bonfire itself and the accompanying celebration of the Hallbergmoos Volunteer Fire Brigade attract many guests and spectators every year. The large, metre-high pile of wood, consisting mainly of waste wood, was stacked and guarded over several days. It’s unthinkable what would have happened if someone had lit the tower prematurely. That would have been even worse than a stolen Maypole, which can still be retrieved and then put up. The big festival began at midday with a sports and skill competition, followed by a rock concert after the fire.

Due to the hot and dry weather of the preceding days, the fire brigade had to take protective measures against spark spread and grass fires. The meadow around the fire pit was adequately watered, and a water curtain was sprayed to prevent sparks from flying. Shortly before sunset, the woodpile was then ignited. Within a few minutes, huge flames blazed from the many-metre-high tower. The heat of the solstice bonfire was unpleasantly hot on the skin even behind the barriers.

Of course, the airport was also informed in good time. From the sports park, you could seemingly see the departing planes flying close behind the high flame torch of the solstice bonfire.