Depending on the German state, the exact name of the programme varies.

The first youth fire brigade in Germany was established in 1882 in Oevenum on the island of Föhr,[1] making it probably the oldest in Europe.

The German Youth Fire Brigade (DJF) was founded in 1964 in Berlin.

The working groups were generally headed by members of the volunteer fire brigade.

After German reunification, the working groups were reorganized as "youth fire brigades".