Fire alarm in the hotel: Fire in Bad Tölz caused by defective electrical appliances!

Fire alarm in the hotel: Fire in Bad Tölz caused by defective electrical appliances!

In the sleeping town of Bad Tölz there was a major fire department operation last night. Burning electrical appliances in the basement of a hotel on Schützenstrasse triggered the alarm shortly before midnight. This was triggered by an emergency call from a 44-year-old chef who was currently staying in the hotel. Fortunately, he was able to escape uninjured while the fire department was on site in a few minutes.

The cause of the fire was quickly determined: a tumble dryer and a washing machine had caught fire. The emergency services were challenged by the heavy smoke, but were able to quickly bring the flames under control. Transporting the damaged machines from the basement was challenging as the team had to work under respiratory protection. Finally, the building was extracted with a high-pressure fan to remove the smoke gases.

Causes and Prevention of Electrical Fires

Unfortunately, fires caused by electrical appliances are not uncommon. According to reports from the Kiel Institute for Loss Prevention and Damage Research, they account for around a third of all fires in buildings. In recent years, tumble dryers have become the most common cause of fires, followed by refrigerators and dishwashers. These findings are compiled and analyzed in the IFS claims database. The most common problems concern insulation damage and technical malfunctions, which can significantly increase the risk of fire.

Of particular concern is that electrical fires can increase significantly due to improper handling and damaged equipment. The IFS therefore recommends having devices checked regularly and ensuring that they have the necessary test seals. You should also always follow the operating instructions and not leave electrical devices unattended while they are in use.

Consequences and damage

The damage caused to the hotel and the affected devices is estimated at around 30,000 euros. Luckily, thanks to the fortunate fact that the hotel was on holiday at the time, there were no other injuries. However, the incident highlighted the importance of smoke detectors and regular maintenance of electrical equipment. According to safety statistics, 95% of fire victims die from smoke rather than the flames themselves, making the use of smoke detectors even more important.

The events in Bad Tölz gave new urgency to the entire issue of fire safety through electrical appliances. To protect yourself and others, it is advisable to take prevention measures seriously and always keep an eye on your technical devices.

For further information on safety measures for electrical appliances and the prevention of electrical fires, we recommend taking a look at the IFS's detailed analyzes and corresponding safety tips on Ask the Fox and [Schadenprism](https://www. Schadenprisma.de/archiv/artikel/electric-brandursachen-im-wandel-der-zeit/).