Old phone battery caused basement fire in Straßwalchen

An old mobile phone battery caused a basement fire in a multi-apartment building in Straßwalchen, Salzburg, on Saturday evening, according to ORF. A fire investigator reached the conclusion in an initial assessment.

The phone had been stored in a basement compartment. Police temporarily brought residents to safety after heavy smoke developed.

Firefighters from Straßwalchen searched the basement while wearing breathing apparatus. A reserve crew from Tank Steindorf was also deployed. The fire was quickly extinguished using a high-pressure hose, and a fan was used to clear the building of smoke.

No one was injured, the Salzburg State Police Directorate said on Sunday.