Deer in the Spree: The fire brigade can only rescue – tragic operation!
On January 19, 2026, a deer was rescued from the Spree in Lübben, but it died despite rapid fire response.

Deer in the Spree: The fire brigade can only rescue – tragic operation!
A tragic incident recently occurred in Lübben when a deer fell into the Spree and was no longer able to get to the bank on its own. Local emergency services were called to help the wild animal, but despite their best efforts, any help came too late. The deer was eventually rescued from the water, but the animal could not be saved. The fire department determined that the current and the smooth, steep banks of the Spree further aggravated the animal's situation. Reports from Meeting point Dahme-Spreewald According to the report, no further information was available regarding the circumstances of the water break-in.
This incident once again highlighted the importance of the fire brigade's voluntary animal protection work. This not only took on fire operations, but also animal rescue as a central task. How on NDR As can be read, the fire brigade helps, for example, with animals that are in distress - be it a horse in a ditch or a cat in a tree. However, the intervention of the fire brigade is not always necessary and common sense is required when you see an animal in trouble.
Important information for pet owners
Firefighter Theresa Balzer emphasizes that the fire department should only be called if an animal is actually in danger or no one else can help. Especially with smaller animals, such as cats, it can often make sense to wait, as they usually come back to the ground themselves - sometimes this can take up to two days, but quick action is not always necessary.
Another important point is that the costs of animal rescue are usually billed to the animal owner. For example, using a fire engine for an hour can easily cost 500 euros, while a lifeboat costs around 200 euros. However, some different municipalities have regulations under which these costs can be covered if no owner can be identified. In Bavaria, however, missions for animals in immediate danger are free of charge.
The fire department in animal protection
The fire department not only specializes in animal rescue, but is also dependent on young people. This shows how important support and voluntary work in the volunteer fire departments is. To ensure that animals can continue to be helped quickly and competently in emergencies in the future, the training of emergency services and the availability of suitable vehicles are essential.
It is also recommended for pet owners to have an emergency card and a sticker to identify their pets. These help emergency services identify animals and respond quickly in emergency situations. Finally, if you spot an animal in a dangerous situation, do not hesitate to contact the fire department. The emergency services are well trained and prepared to help both people and animals in need.