Fire in Stinatz: Homeland House Partially Destroyed

The heritage-protected Heimat House in Stinatz (Güssing district) was largely destroyed in a major fire on Sunday evening. Two historic buildings of the ensemble burned down completely, reported the district fire brigade command Güssing. A lightning strike during a thunderstorm is believed to have hit the Heimat House and caused the fire. Nine fire brigades with over 170 members were on site. Governor Hans Peter Doskozil (SPÖ) pledged his support.

Meter-High Flames in Stinatz

When the emergency services were alerted at around 9:18 p.m., large parts of the thatched roof were already fully ablaze. Thick smoke and meter-high flames were visible. Strong sparks made the extinguishing work difficult and even caused two vehicles belonging to fire brigade members to catch fire, which could be quickly extinguished, reported the fire brigade. Overall, the operation lasted about four hours. The spread of the flames to other parts of the Heimat House, a transformer station, adjacent single-family homes, and the fire station a few meters away could be prevented.

Fire Possibly Due to Lightning

The damage is "considerable and currently hardly assessable," noted the district fire brigade. However, some cultural assets were saved in time from the burned-down parts of the buildings, including several dolls in original Stinatz costume. A lightning strike is suspected as the cause of the fire because several witnesses reported a loud bang during a preceding thunderstorm. The exact clarification by the police's fire investigation is still ongoing, it was said.

Doskozil Announces Support

Governor Doskozil expressed his concern in a written statement. "The Heimat House was a valuable cultural biotope for preserving the unique Stinatz tradition and customs. The material and immaterial damage is enormous," he emphasized. The state will support the community in restoring saved cultural assets and enabling a possible "restart" of the Heimat House. Since 1975, it housed agricultural equipment and exhibits on local history. It consisted of four buildings, two of which were completely destroyed in the fire.

He asked the cultural department to contact the community and clarify what necessities exist and how much damage is covered by insurance, Doskozil said. "Then we will sit down with the community and think together about a future solution. The state will certainly make its contribution."

(APA/Red)

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