Calls to Ban Indoor Ice Torches in Sweden After Deadly Swiss Fire

A tragic fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has sparked urgent concerns in Sweden regarding the indoor use of ice torches. The Swiss fire, which occurred on New Year's Eve, is believed to have been ignited by ice torches placed on champagne bottles near a flammable acoustical ceiling, resulting in at least 40 deaths and over 100 injuries. Authorities identified most victims as Swiss nationals along with French, Italian, Serbian, and others. Investigations are ongoing, including questioning of the bar's French owners and determining potential criminal liability.

In Sweden, similar use of ice torches indoors remains legal, but this incident has led to strong calls for a ban from fire safety experts. The Swedish Fire Protection Association (Brandskyddsföreningen) has demanded an immediate prohibition on indoor ice torch and pyrotechnic use, highlighting the severe risks involved. Mats Björs, the organization’s Secretary General, urged politicians to institute a zero-tolerance policy on fire hazards, cautioning that Sweden could face similar disasters if stricter regulations are not enforced. He underscored that although Swedish laws prohibit flammable materials for acoustic treatment, violations persist, increasing fire risks.

Fire engineer Lars Brodin warned that flammable acoustic materials should never be used indoors, referencing the 2003 Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island, which claimed 100 lives due to indoor pyrotechnics and unsafe materials. Björs emphasized that while the Swiss tragedy involved a dangerous combination of pyrotechnics and inadequate emergency exits, Swedish venues could suffer the same vulnerabilities.

Despite these warnings, ice torches continue to be used at indoor events, including recently in Sälen during an afterski celebration. Visitors expressed dismay over their use so soon after the Swiss tragedy, with one remarking on the tragic loss of young victims. Björs stressed the danger of placing ice torches near wooden ceiling beams, even if materials in Sweden are less flammable, as the inherent fire risk remains significant.

Swedish fire experts call for urgent reevaluation of fire safety policies and explicit bans on indoor ice torches to prevent further fatalities. The Swiss incident serves as a grim reminder of the deadly consequences when pyrotechnics meet flammable building materials in confined spaces, prompting ongoing debate about safety standards in Sweden.