Heater disaster: Three injured after fire in Salem!

Heater disaster: Three injured after fire in Salem!

In Salem, in the Lake Constance district, there was a devastating fire in a two-family house on Wednesday evening. The fire was triggered by a heater that tipped over and set fire to paint-based materials that a 61-year-old resident was using. The rapid progression of the fire resulted in the entire basement bursting into flames, resulting in the evacuation of the building and significant damage. The two apartments are now uninhabitable, forcing the residents to temporarily stay with relatives and friends, reports ZVW.

As a result of the fire, three people, a 61-year-old man, a 65-year-old woman and a 40-year-old woman, suffered smoke inhalation and had to be taken to the hospital immediately. The local police have started an investigation and are investigating the case for negligent arson.

Causes of fire and safety measures

The situation in Salem once again shows the dangers that radiant heaters can pose. According to that IFS More than half of all fires in and around buildings are caused by electricity and human error. Fires are particularly common in kitchens when materials are stored near heat sources or cooking equipment is handled improperly. Radiant heaters fall into the category of devices that can pose a high risk if handled improperly.

Another example of the dangers posed by radiant heaters occurred the day before in Schramberg, where a fire also broke out. Nine people were affected here, including a 38-year-old who had to be flown to a clinic with serious injuries. In this case, too, the fire was caused by a radiant heater in a ground floor apartment, which once again underlines the need for safe handling of heating devices weekly paper reported.

Consequences and damage balance

The amount of damage caused by the incidents may vary, but the consequences are serious in both cases. In Salem, the apartments are uninhabitable, while in Schramberg the property damage is estimated at around 70,000 euros. These fire events highlight the importance of preventive measures and continued awareness of the fire risks posed by heaters and other electrical equipment.

The investigation into both cases is ongoing and it remains to be seen what measures will be taken to prevent future fires and increase safety in residential areas. The public is urged to be careful when handling heaters and to always follow the manufacturer's instructions.