In Germany, especially East Germany parts, the W50 is still in use by firefighters. These are mostly the Ifa W50 versions: LF 16 TS8, the tank TLF 16/25 or 16 GMK and the ladder DL30 / 01.
Many vehicles used in large fire departments were after 25-year still well preserved and maintained for the lower cost during operating hours compared with other civilian used vehicles and could be also seen in smaller fire departments across country.