Innovative fire protection for UNESCO World Heritage Site: Hot foam extinguishing system protects Stiftsberg hill in Quedlinburg
20.02.2026
The Stiftsberg Quedlinburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of inestimable value, is setting new standards in fire protection: for the first time, a hot foam extinguishing system is being used in a listed building of international importance – protecting the historic attic rooms and valuable cultural treasures of the Stiftsberg.
Why this solution is unique
The historic roof structures of the Stiftsberg pose particular challenges: there are no fire walls, and the narrow access roads make it difficult for large fire engines to get through. To meet these challenges, an innovative system was developed that floods the roof areas with a special extinguishing foam within minutes in an emergency. This foam completely encloses the fire, deprives it of oxygen and cools it at the same time – using significantly less water than conventional sprinkler systems. This provides optimum protection for the historic buildings and precious cultural assets.
The most important facts at a glance
- When the fire alarm sounds, water from tanks in the vaulted cellar is mixed with foam concentrate and pumped up to the attic via pumps.
- 67 foam generators in the roof truss generate foam and distribute it for fast and effective firefighting.
- An innovative process, which has previously been used mainly in industry, is now being employed for the first time to protect a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
