Cigarette remnants blamed for severe apartment fire in Kematen

Smouldering cigarette remnants are believed to have caused a severe fire in an apartment complex in Kematen an der Ybbs in the Amstetten district, ORF reported. Police said the most likely cause was a cigarette that had not been fully extinguished in a flowerpot on a balcony.

The damage is expected to be in the seven-figure range. Once the investigation is complete, the suspected person responsible will be reported to the St. Pölten public prosecutor’s office.

The fire broke out at about 1:45 p.m. on Thursday. When emergency crews arrived, flames were already shooting several metres above the roof. About 40 residents and several animals were brought to safety because of the heavy smoke. The Red Cross and its crisis intervention team cared for them in the festival hall.

One person suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital. According to the fire service, all those affected found accommodation with relatives or friends.

About 150 emergency responders from 12 fire brigades attended with 30 vehicles. Crews fought the fire wearing breathing apparatus and used several aerial platforms. The blaze was brought under control shortly after 7:30 p.m.

The two-storey building, which contains more than 20 apartments, was severely damaged. Long-arm excavators were used to remove the roof structure, while remaining embers were extinguished in containers. The firefighting operation continued until Friday.