Fire leaves six apartments uninhabitable as experts urge electric grills

A fire in Fußach left six of eight apartments uninhabitable, prompting safety experts to recommend electric grills for balconies and small terraces, ORF Vorarlberg reported. The blaze is believed to have started at a grill and spread between apartments via their balconies.

No one was injured, but the property damage was extensive. Incident commander Thomas Scheutz said the fire probably began at a grill outside the lower apartment before spreading to the apartment above and then sideways to another unit.

Police have not said whether the grill was powered by gas, electricity or charcoal, citing investigative reasons.

Electric grills recommended for balconies

The Kuratorium für Verkehrssicherheit, or KFV, said the choice between charcoal, gas and electric grills depends largely on where they are used. Because open flames pose a heightened fire risk in confined spaces, it recommends electric grills for balconies and smaller terraces.

Electric grills must be kept dry because moisture can cause short circuits or electric shocks. All grills should stand on a level, stable surface and be kept well away from anything that can burn, including wooden cladding, privacy screens, parasols, upholstered furniture and plants. There must also be sufficient space above the grill, as even light gusts can carry sparks.

Once charcoal has fully ignited, the grill must not be moved. Charcoal and gas grills must never be used indoors because they can produce highly toxic carbon monoxide.

Fire safety precautions

The Vorarlberg Fire Prevention Office recommends using only solid firelighters, such as firelighter cubes, sticks or grill paste. Petrol, methylated spirits and bioethanol can cause sudden flames and flare-ups and must not be used.

Gas grills should always be lit with the lid open. Gas-bottle connections and hoses should be checked before the grilling season. Leak tests should be carried out with leak-detection spray or soapy water, never with a lighter. After grilling, gas bottles must not be stored in stairwells, basements or garages.

Someone should remain with the grill throughout the cooking, and children must be supervised. A bucket of water, fire blanket or fire extinguisher should be kept nearby.

At the end of the evening, remaining embers must be completely doused with water. Ash should be left to cool for at least 48 hours and must never be placed in cardboard boxes, plastic containers or rubbish bags, as this can cause fires to reignite hours later.

Grilling is allowed but restricted

Grilling on balconies, terraces and in gardens is generally permitted in Austria, including in rented and owner-occupied apartments. However, rental agreements and house rules may set grilling times, designated areas or permitted types of grill. In extreme cases, violations can lead to termination of a tenancy.

Residents must also observe quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., as well as local regulations on policing, fire safety and air quality. Under Section 364(2) of the Austrian General Civil Code, smoke and smells must not exceed customary local levels. Otherwise, neighbours may seek an injunction.

Grilling is prohibited in places needed as escape routes during an emergency, including access balconies and stairwells.