Saarlouis - Careless handling of fire possible cause of house fire
Following the fire in a residential building in Saarlouis that caused two minor injuries, the police are still investigating the cause of the fire. The fire may have been caused by careless handling of burning material, said a spokesperson for the state police headquarters in Saarbrücken on Tuesday. Following the fire on Saturday evening, investigations at the scene revealed no evidence of a technical defect or arson, he added.
The spokesperson said that gas cylinders had been stored in the cellar of the house, which released excess pressure due to the heat. The gas ignited in jet flames and accelerated the spread of the fire. However, contrary to initial assumptions by the police, there was no explosion. The twelve people who were in the house at the time of the fire escaped unharmed. Two residents of neighboring properties suffered mild smoke inhalation.
The fire caused extensive damage, but it is not yet possible to put a figure on it. The damage is expected to be at least six figures. The burnt down house was no longer habitable. The town of Saarlouis had temporarily accommodated the residents in a hotel.
Initial police statement from Sunday
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- The police in Saarbrücken are still exploring if the 'Cause of fire' in Saarlouis' house fire last Saturday was due to careless handling of burning material, as suggested by their spokesperson.
- Despite initial assumptions of an explosion, the 'House fire' in Saarlouis did not result in any explosion, thanks to the swift evacuation of the twelve residents and mild smoke inhalation of two residents from neighboring properties.
- Following the 'House fire' in Saarlouis, which was possibly due to 'Cause of fire' related to careless handling of burning material, the Saarlouis town authorities have temporarily housed the affected residents in a hotel.
Source: www.stern.de
