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Candles Blamed in Blaze at Crans-Montana Fire Memorial, Police Say

The tribute site was quickly extinguished without injuries, prompting a separate police investigation.

Overview

  • Fire broke out shortly before 6 a.m. on Feb. 8 at the tented tribute near Le Constellation in Crans-Montana and was rapidly contained by firefighters.
  • Initial police findings indicate the blaze started near candles on a central table, with third-party involvement provisionally ruled out.
  • No injuries were reported; several commemorative items were damaged, but the condolence book was saved, authorities said.
  • The memorial had recently been moved a short distance from the burned-out bar, and police have opened a distinct inquiry into this incident.
  • Prosecutors continue probing the Jan. 1 bar disaster that killed 41 and injured about 115, examining alleged negligence by the co-owners and local safety officials, missed inspections since 2019, and a likely ignition from champagne sparklers contacting ceiling insulation.