safety

Berlin – September 07, 2026 -- The German Fire Brigade Association (DFV) has published new technical guidance on grounding live overhead lines in rail zones, following DB InfraGO's decision to revoke existing voluntary agreements with fire departments nationwide.

DB InfraGO Cancels Prior Grounding Agreements With Fire Departments

Previous contractual arrangements allowing fire brigades to perform emergency grounding, known as "Bahnerdung," on Deutsche Bahn AG infrastructure have been withdrawn by the rail operator's emergency management unit. Fire department carriers and DB InfraGO, the infrastructure operator, must now negotiate new agreements based on updated regulations and revised training requirements.