At the instigation of the then commander of the Voluntary Fire Brigade (FF) in Krumpendorf am Wörthersee, Hans Koch, a number of fire brigades met in Perl, Saarland (Germany), for an informal gathering in 1974. It was such a success that Mr. Koch and fellow members of the Krumpendorf FF organized the event now officially known as the “International Fire Brigade Gathering”, in Krumpendorf again in 1975 and 1977.

The first fire brigade rally
Hundreds of firemen came to Lake Wörther See at that time, statutes were drawn up and it was decided that the meeting should take place every two years in a different country. Sport events, important information for fire brigades and informal meetings were to be the main objectives for these gatherings.

Krumpendorf consolidated its reputation as a fire brigade centre of Europe. The event gained in popularity, the number of participants increased to a few thousand.

The permanent office of the International Fire Brigade Gathering Organisation (ISFO) was set up in Krumpendorf and since 1993 Heinz Kernjak from Krumpendorf has been the Secretary and FF Krumpendorf commander is the President of the ISFO. Since 1985 International Fire Brigade Music Festivals have been held periodically in Krumpendorf. At the same time as the 13th International Fire Brigade Gathering we will also be hosting the 5th International Fire Brigade Band and Parade Festival.