The tragedy that recently occurred in Crans-Montana has deeply affected the population of Valais and far beyond. Our thoughts go first and foremost to the victims, their families and loved ones, as well as to all those who have been durably affected by this dramatic event.
In a context still marked by remembrance, but also by legitimate questions and emotions, the APCAV, through the voice of its President and on behalf of its committee, wishes to make a constructive and clarifying contribution for its members and the Verbier community.
The purpose of this statement is neither to comment on an ongoing investigation nor to downplay the seriousness of the events. Responsibility for the Crans-Montana fire must be established by the competent authorities and assumed within the framework provided by the law. The aim here is to recall the existing framework, explain the respective roles of the different stakeholders, and reflect collectively on how to strengthen vigilance and prevention in order to avoid such a tragedy from happening again.
A Swiss framework based on prevention and personal safety
Fire protection in Switzerland is based on a structured legal and regulatory framework designed to prevent risks and ensure the safety of people, particularly in buildings and premises open to the public.
This framework is based in particular on:
• Harmonised technical standards at Swiss level, notably those developed by the Association of Cantonal Fire Insurance Institutions (AEAI);
• Cantonal legislation specifying obligations in terms of prevention, inspection and intervention;
• A distribution of responsibilities between the canton, municipalities and specialised services.
The primary objective of this system is to reduce risks, identify dangerous situations and enable rapid and effective intervention in the event of an incident.
Valais-specific features: institutional roles and operational framework
In Valais, fire protection is governed by specific cantonal legislation. Municipalities are responsible for its implementation within their territory, under the supervision of the competent cantonal authorities.
Concretely:
• Municipalities exercise fire police powers, establish specialised commissions and organise periodic inspections of buildings;
• The canton ensures coordination, supervision and expertise, notably through the Cantonal Fire Office;
• Fire brigades, organised at municipal or inter-municipal level, are responsible for rescuing people, fighting fires and securing sites.
Buildings open to the public or presenting particular risks are subject to specific requirements and adapted inspections, given the major safety issues they represent.
What this tragedy compels us to examine for the future
An event of this magnitude calls for a clear-eyed and rigorous review of how existing systems function. Without anticipating the conclusions of ongoing investigations, it is legitimate to question:
• The understanding and application of existing standards;
• The frequency and effectiveness of inspections;
• The training and information provided to operators and staff;
• The ability to identify and report risk situations.
This reflection must be conducted with respect for facts, procedures and people, without confusing legitimate emotion with structural analysis, and with a clear objective: to strengthen prevention and safety in the future.
The role the APCAV wishes to play
As an association representing owners of chalets and apartments in Verbier, the APCAV is concerned by these issues and believes it has a role to play in terms of information and awareness-raising.
In this context, the APCAV wishes in particular to:
• Inform its members in a clear and accessible manner about the legal framework and best practices in fire prevention;
• Encourage a culture of vigilance, both for private properties and for properties that are rented or open to the public;
• Collaborate constructively with municipal and cantonal authorities, as well as with other relevant associations, notably within the FVSR2;
• Contribute to the reflections that will, in due course, allow the necessary lessons to be drawn in order to strengthen existing systems.
Official resources and practical information are available for owners and operators wishing to explore these issues further. Where appropriate, the APCAV may relay such information in a targeted and suitable manner.
In conclusion, the Crans-Montana tragedy forcefully reminds us that personal safety requires constant attention, clear rules and ongoing vigilance.
With respect for the work of the authorities and the memory of the victims, the APCAV wishes to contribute constructively to the reflections that will help draw the necessary lessons so that such a tragedy never happens again.
Brigitte Borel
President of the APCAV
On behalf of the Committee