> BTW, is someone working on a debian .deb file set? I would be willing to
> create and maintain one, but I would need some hints, where to start, I am
> new on this.

Yes, I'm working.
Firebird 1.5 debian packages are ready for testing:
http://debian.sente.pl/fb2

Today there will be set of packages 1.5.1 (I'll do it today).
If you want help us - join
http://lists.alioth.debian.org/mailman/listinfo/pkg-firebird-general

Best regards
Daniel Urban