After the fire disaster in Crans-Montana: BSV 2026 put on hold

Following the devastating fire in Crans-Montana, which claimed 40 lives and left over 100 people injured, the cantons have put the planned revision of Swiss fire safety regulations on hold for the time being. This was reported by the Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ).

The BSV 2026, which was supposed to come into force in spring 2027, was intended to simplify fire safety in some areas.

The core of the revision was the principle of «less control, more personal responsibility.» Among other things, it provided for longer permissible escape routes of up to 100 meters (instead of the previous 50), simplifications for fire alarm systems, and a reduction in smoke and heat extraction systems. Critics warned in advance that reducing official controls could jeopardize safety.

As reported by the NZZ, political pressure following the accident in Valais has now led to a change of course. «We are putting the 2026 fire safety regulations on hold,» Rolf Meier, Head of Communications at the Association of Cantonal Building Insurers, is quoted as saying in the NZZ. A new timetable is currently being drawn up.

Particularly controversial: the planned changes affect key issues relating to personal safety. Fire safety experts fear that shifting more responsibility onto building owners and operators could undermine safety standards.

According to the NZZ, the Swiss Association of Fire Protection and Safety Experts had already expressed criticism of the relaxation of regulations before the accident.

The Crans-Montana case also highlights a worrying trend: the number of fire deaths in Switzerland has risen in recent years. According to data from cantonal building insurance companies, the number rose from 17 fatalities in 2020 and 2021 to 33 in 2024. The figures for 2025 are not yet available.

Regardless of the suspended review, criminal investigations are currently underway to determine whether the existing fire safety regulations were complied with in the bar concerned and whether the inspections were sufficient. The case is likely to shape the debate on regulation, enforcement, and responsibility in fire safety in the long term.

Source: NZZ