New video shows fire spreading across ceiling of Swiss bar

Key Concepts

• Sparkler Candles/Flares: Small, pyrotechnic devices producing sparks and flames, used for celebratory purposes.
• Flashover: A near-simultaneous ignition of all combustible materials in an enclosed space.
• Attorney General Investigation: Official inquiry into the cause and circumstances of the fire.

Initial Footage & Investigation Update

The available footage depicts the initial stages of the fire’s spread within the bar, showing flames impacting the ceiling while patrons remained inside. This footage was presented alongside an update from the Attorney General regarding the ongoing investigation into the fire’s origin.

Cause of the Fire: Sparkler Candles & Champagne Bottles

The investigation has determined the fire originated from sparkler candles – also referred to as flares – that were affixed to champagne bottles. Specifically, these flares were positioned too closely to the ceiling. This proximity proved critical in the rapid escalation of the fire.

Flashover Incident Explained

The close proximity of the flares to the ceiling resulted in a “flashover” incident. A flashover is defined as the near-instantaneous ignition of all combustible materials within a confined space. This occurs when the heat generated by a fire reaches a point where all surfaces reach their auto-ignition temperature simultaneously. The Attorney General’s update highlights this as the mechanism by which the fire spread “very rapidly.”

Implications & Further Investigation

The Attorney General’s statement doesn’t detail potential legal ramifications or further investigative steps, but the identification of sparkler candles as the ignition source is a key finding. The rapid spread due to flashover underscores the dangers of using pyrotechnic devices, even seemingly small ones, in enclosed environments with combustible materials.