Overview
- Volunteers from the Freiwillige Feuerwehr Velden/Vils extinguished the apartment fire after witnesses reported smoke and flames, and the response lasted until about 11:00.
- Police and firefighters say two household cats probably activated two stove plates while playing, with a plastic bottle left on a hot plate catching fire and spreading flames and smoke.
- Crews rescued one cat, gave it oxygen at the scene and handed it to a veterinarian, while a second cat was later found dead in the apartment.
- The affected flat in the multi-family building was heavily damaged and police estimate the loss at roughly €100,000.
- Officials say the incident highlights common household fire risks from accessible stove controls and combustible items left on hot plates, which can endanger people and pets and cause major property damage.