The fun stops when eating: what the fire brigade experienced at the G7 summit

Created: 11/25/2022, 8:30 am

By: Christof Schnürer

Waiting for the celebrities: At the G7 security guard at the heliport, there was a lot of idling, for example for Commander Johann Holler (left) and his Wallgau firefighters.

© Hans Schmid/Fire Brigade Mittenwald

The G7 summit in Schloss Elmau is simply unforgettable for the Krün fire brigade commander Anton Simon - also with regard to the topic of catering.

Viewed from a distance, he can still hear the administrative mold whinnying loudly today.

Krün

– Even firefighters, who have to work umpteen extra shifts in their free time for the benefit of privileged political celebrities, are hungry at times.

However, eating is not so easy for volunteers in the Isar Valley when heads of state and government are staying in Schloss Elmau.

Then other laws and regulations apply.

The Florian disciples had to experience this firsthand on these hot days in June 2022.

With a little time lag, the Krün fire brigade commander also spoke about this tiresome topic at the anniversary (we reported) because it is still difficult for a mere mortal like Anton Simon to understand today.

What had happened in these turbulent times?

As with the first edition in 2015, fire brigade units from the upper Isar valley were allowed to take care of the fire protection of the exclusive conference venue in the Elmauer valley.

Security guard is the official German.

But even waiting hours for the next armored helicopter at the helipad stimulates the gastric juices.

If one believes the words of Anton Simon in his summary, it should have been agreed in advance that the neighboring Co-G7 hotel "Das Kranzbach" would deliver food for the hungry firefighters to Elmau Castle.

Sounds logical.

And what could be wrong with fine dining at one of the leading five star resorts in Europe and beyond?

But now the skeptics in the health department intervened: "The food may only be delivered under strict conditions," reported Krün's fire brigade commander in his annual balance of the strict specification from Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The "Scheck'n-Toni" then suggested to the hygiene guards: "We'll just pick up the food in Kranzbach ourselves with suitable containers." Yes, if it were that easy - in G7 times even more so.

According to Simon, the health department is said to have banned that “with the full force of German bureaucracy”.

Reason: From this point on, the fire brigade is a food company and would have to attend appropriate hygiene training, since the temperature had to be measured and documented before pickup and on arrival.

However, self-catering with your own snack or grilling is permitted.

The final result after countless unsuccessful talks: the firefighters drove in groups from the security station in Elmau to the Kranzbach Hotel and ate in the staff canteen there.

"Everyone loved the food," emphasized Simon.

Praise went to the "house and court butcher" Jakob Gantner, who also made sure that the refrigerator in the tool shed and in the Elmau station was always well stocked between shifts.

And what does the district office say about Causa G7 catering?

In the shape of his spokesman Stephan Scharf, he refers to the framework hygiene concept that is necessary with the responsible authorities for the G7 summit and applies to all emergency services.

"This was necessary due to the duration of the assignment." It was implemented "easily and in partnership" by all organizations involved.

Anyone who still remembers the balance sheet of the Krün fire brigade commander may find it difficult to believe.