Sparks caused costly Hirnsdorf fire; property owner to be reported

Sparks near a solid-fuel boiler caused a house fire in Hirnsdorf, in Styria’s Hartberg-Fürstenfeld district, and the property owner is to be reported after the investigation. Damage is estimated at several hundred thousand euros, ORF reported.

Investigators said sparks from the boiler in the house’s heating room ignited improperly stored, highly flammable items. They have ruled out a technical defect and third-party involvement based on the investigation so far. The house is uninhabitable.

The fire broke out in the early evening last Wednesday. Fifteen fire brigades, with about 200 firefighters, responded. Crews faced flames several metres high and had to lay more than a kilometre of hose. The operation continued into the following day as embers repeatedly reignited.

No people were injured, but several cats died in the fire. Two cats survived, and one was taken to an animal shelter.