New findings

Alpine hut burnt down – Was it arson?

The hut burned down completely

(Bild: Klaus Portenkirchner)

The hut is completely destroyed, burned to the ground. Even almost 100 firefighters were unable to do anything about it. The day after the devastating flames on the Krameralm in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, the fire investigators are on the case. Arson is suspected ... 

It was a mission that countless Pinzgau firefighters will not soon forget. "The approach was very difficult. We had to stop about two kilometers from the scene of the fire," says district commander Klaus Portenkirchner. The Floriani had to cover the remaining distance at more than 1500 meters above sea level using a skidoo and quad bikes.

A skier had noticed the heavy smoke from a gondola.

(Bild: FF Viehhofen)

Challenging extinguishing work
The fire was noticed by a skier who had seen the heavy smoke from a gondola lift. When the emergency services arrived, the hut was already fully engulfed in flames. The extinguishing work was also extremely difficult due to the lack of water. It was not until the afternoon that the fire was declared "out".

The cause of the fire is still unclear. The Salzburg State Office of Criminal Investigation has taken over the investigation - the police have stated that the fire was definitely not caused by someone else. An expert was called in by order of the Salzburg public prosecutor's office.