Hitler Youth members who volunteered as auxiliary fire-fighters (HJ-Freiwillige Feuerwehren) were organized into squads to supplement the need for additional assistance in towns and cities hit hard by Allied air attacks.

Members were required to be at least fifteen years of age and were placed under the direct authority of local fire brigades.  Volunteer fire-fighters were expected to perform regular firemen’s duties both day and night as needed.  They also received fire-fighting training as part of their assigned duties.

Because of the danger involved in fighting fires in destroyed buildings and factories, Hitler Youth members were provided standard fire-fighting helmets and equipment. 

In some cases, these helmets were modified by the placement a specially designed Hitler Youth diamond decal.  The decals took the form of a black shield with white border with the standard Hitler Youth diamond insignia placed in the center.  The decals were generally placed on both sides of the helmet although variations are likely to exist.