A fire broke out in an apartment building in Ittigen on Friday evening, prompting a significant emergency response. The blaze, which is believed to have started on a balcony at Längfeldstrasse 38, spread to one of the residential units. Fortunately, all occupants of the building were able to evacuate safely, and no injuries have been reported.
Key Takeaways
- A fire occurred at an apartment building on Längfeldstrasse 38 in Ittigen on Friday, October 10, 2025.
- The fire is reported to have originated on a balcony before spreading to an apartment.
- All residents evacuated the building safely, and no injuries were sustained.
- The Bern Cantonal Police's Fire and Explosions Department has launched an investigation into the cause and extent of the damage.
Emergency Response and Fire Containment
The Canton of Bern Police received a report of the fire shortly before 7:35 PM on Friday. Emergency services were dispatched immediately to the multi-family residence on Längfeldstrasse. Upon arrival, they found an active fire that had started on a balcony and was beginning to engulf the adjacent apartment.
A combined force of approximately 25 firefighters from the Ittigen Fire Department and the Bern Professional Fire and Rescue Service worked together to tackle the blaze. Their coordinated effort was crucial in preventing the fire from spreading to other units within the building. Fire crews successfully brought the fire under control and fully extinguished it.
Coordinated Effort Prevents Further Spread
The swift action of the two fire departments was instrumental in containing the incident. While one apartment sustained significant damage, the rest of the building was largely protected from the flames. An ambulance was also called to the scene as a standard precautionary measure, but its services were not required as no one was injured.
Incident by the Numbers
- 25 firefighters deployed
- 2 fire departments involved (Ittigen and Bern)
- 1.5 hours of road closure
- 0 injuries reported
Resident Safety and Evacuation
Authorities confirmed that all individuals inside the building at the time the fire started were able to exit on their own. The successful evacuation ensured that what could have been a tragic event resulted in no casualties. Emergency personnel on site accounted for all residents after they had gathered outside.
While the majority of the building remains habitable, the apartment directly affected by the fire is currently uninhabitable. Officials from the municipality of Ittigen collaborated with emergency services to arrange alternative accommodation for the displaced residents, ensuring they had a safe place to stay for the night.
Support for Displaced Residents
In incidents like this, Swiss municipalities often work closely with civil protection and social services to provide immediate support. This can include temporary housing, emergency funds for essentials, and psychological support for those affected by the traumatic event. The rapid arrangement of alternative lodging in Ittigen highlights this established system of community support.
Traffic Disruption and Community Impact
To ensure the safety of the public and allow emergency vehicles unobstructed access, authorities closed Längfeldstrasse to all traffic. The road remained shut for approximately one and a half hours while firefighting and initial investigation activities were underway.
A traffic diversion was established and clearly marked to redirect vehicles around the cordoned-off area, minimizing disruption for local drivers. The street was reopened once the site was secured and deemed safe by the emergency response commander. The presence of numerous emergency vehicles and the road closure drew the attention of local residents, but the situation was managed efficiently by police and fire personnel.
Investigation into Cause and Damage
The investigation into the specific cause of the fire has been handed over to the Fire and Explosions Department of the Canton of Bern Police. This specialized unit is responsible for determining the origin of the blaze and the sequence of events that led to its spread from the balcony into the apartment.
Specialists will now examine the scene, collect evidence, and interview witnesses to piece together the circumstances. According to the police, the initial findings point to the balcony as the source, but the exact trigger remains under investigation. The total cost of the property damage has not yet been determined and will be part of the ongoing assessment. The findings of the investigation will be released to the public once they are concluded.