Fire in Gmunden: Accelerant Discovered

A fire that severely damaged a Gründerzeit villa on the Esplanade in Gmunden, Upper Austria, on the night of Thursday was deliberately set. A fire detection dog indicated the presence of accelerants, reported fire investigator Günter Reischl on Saturday in a conversation with the APA. The motive remains unclear.

Fire in Gmunden Without Injuries

Around 3:00 a.m. on Thursday, the fire was discovered in the attic. A smoke alarm system had woken the residents on the top floor in time. They alerted the fire department and the other residents of the house. No one was injured in the fire at this rather prestigious address.

Even as they were approaching their firefighting mission, the firefighters also discovered a burning car nearby. The vehicle owner had no connection to the villa, emphasized Reischl. No accelerants were found in the car. However, the fact that there were two fire sites in close proximity had already raised suspicions from the start that the fires were set. Whether it is a case of vandalism, a diversionary tactic, or if there is another reason for the two fire sites, remains a mystery to the investigators.

Information to Gmunden Police Station

Investigations are being conducted in all directions, it was stated, as the front door and the door to the attic were unlocked. In the old building, there are 15 parties, all of whom now need to be questioned, which will take some time. It is certain that the fire in the house was set first, followed by the one in the car. Information - even confidential - is being received at the Gmunden police station at the phone number 059133 4100 or at the state criminal office at the number 059133 40-3333.

(APA/Red)

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