The Wittmund Volunteer Fire Brigade has cancelled at short notice the arts and crafts market scheduled for Sunday, 8 November 2026. The decision was prompted by a threatening letter, which was found on the fire brigade’s premises. According to police, it advised a local operational commander to resign, threatening that “something would happen” if he refused. The decision to cancel was made on the morning of the event.
The Aurich/Wittmund Police Inspectorate launched an investigation. It concerns suspected threats and possible coercion offences. A spokesperson said there was currently no danger to the public. Initially, there was no specific information about the sender, motive or suspects. The fire brigade denied any indication of an internal dispute.
The arts and crafts market was planned as a pre-Christmas event at the fire station. It was organised by the fire brigade support association. Around 20 exhibitors and numerous visitors from Wittmund districtwere expected. Food and stalls had already been prepared shortly before the cancellation. Initial feedback suggests the overall financial impact is limited, although some small traders report noticeable losses.
The The town of Wittmund supported the cancellation. In similar situations, authorities point to the tension between keeping local events open to all and protecting volunteers. Legally, threats may constitute offences such as making threats or coercion. Further measures would require specific indications of danger; no such risk assessment was available on Sunday.
It remains unclear whether traces on the letter will make it possible to identify its author. The results of the police analysis and possible arrests are expected in the coming days. An official press release from the Aurich/Wittmund Police Inspectorate or the town of Wittmund giving detailed information about the case had not yet been issued.
The incident is among cases in which volunteers become targets of hostility. It is unclear whether this was a personal threat against the named operational commander or a broader rejection of the fire brigade as an institution. Wittmund Volunteer Fire Brigade said it would not decide whether to reschedule the market until the investigation had progressed further and the security situation could be assessed reliably.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).