Weather ... again

[Blaze]

About the tragedy in Crans Montana: exactly 25 years ago a devastating fire in Volendam. And exactly the same circumstances. For the survivors of that disaster, New Year's Day 2026 will not have been easy. Have no lessons been learned from what happened then?

There used to be a nightclub in Plymouth called the Grain Exchange (Groin Exchange or to most people, the GX). It was a death trap. and I rarely went there. All wood, different levels and goodness knows if there were fire escapes - they weren't obvious if there were any.

Ice skating or walking briskly across frozen snow? I don't think I could manage that this time. Unless I was keen to get to know Blaze's colleagues...

I used to skate on the canals in Hamburg in winter - we were oblivious to the risks ! Yes, I don't envy my colleagues who were out a couple of nights ago rescuing a boat whose engine died .... I have to apologise to our victims for my cold hands at this time of year

[exile]

About the tragedy in Crans Montana: exactly 25 years ago a devastating fire in Volendam. And exactly the same circumstances. For the survivors of that disaster, New Year's Day 2026 will not have been easy. Have no lessons been learned from what happened then?

I have an uncomfortable feeling that the fire may have similar causes as the destruction of the Hull bowling alley in 1994 (thankfully without any fatalities). Fire spread rapidly along the bowling lanes and then spread and destroyed the building. Investigation showed that the resins, varnishes and polishes used on the bowling lanes created an extremely flammable surface to the wooden floors. The way the fire spread across the wooden ceiling of the bar seems to have a great similarity.

[L Austin France]

About the tragedy in Crans Montana: exactly 25 years ago a devastating fire in Volendam. And exactly the same circumstances. For the survivors of that disaster, New Year's Day 2026 will not have been easy. Have no lessons been learned from what happened then?

I have an uncomfortable feeling that the fire may have similar causes as the destruction of the Hull bowling alley in 1994 (thankfully without any fatalities). Fire spread rapidly along the bowling lanes and then spread and destroyed the building. Investigation showed that the resins, varnishes and polishes used on the bowling lanes created an extremely flammable surface to the wooden floors. The way the fire spread across the wooden ceiling of the bar seems to have a great similarity.

From what I've read it was some sort of acoustic foam that caught fire & flashed across the ceiling giving off a toxic gas when alight.
I'm still trying to understand how the building got permission for the use it was put to.
Grenfell Tower comes to mind.

[Blaze]

I'm still trying to understand how the building got permission for the use it was put to.

Apparently the nightclub has attached sparklers to champagne bottles for New Year celebrations before. Some people said they saw the sparklers being put too close to the ceiling. What surprised me was that people saw the beginnings of the flames but seemingly made no attempt to leave until the flames really took hold. Someone was filmed trying to put the flames out with a towel or something similar.

Certainly the building and the owners/users will come under close scrutiny.

[RobertArthur]

In the Swiss, French and German press many eyewitness reports. This one is about having luck:

" Crans-Montana (Switzerland) – Just 15 minutes decided between life and death: On New Year's morning, Oscar (19) wanted to go to the popular bar ‘Le Constellation’ with his friends – shortly before the devastating fire broke out.
When the bouncer turned them away at 1:15 a.m. because the bar was full, the student tried to get in through a secret side entrance. ‘Not everyone knows the code,’ reports the Valais native, who has been holidaying in the popular ski resort for years. But his mate couldn't remember the combination: ‘That saved our lives,’ Oscar told BILD reporters 16 hours later. "

Back to the weather this morning in Amsterdam.

[exile]

About the tragedy in Crans Montana: exactly 25 years ago a devastating fire in Volendam. And exactly the same circumstances. For the survivors of that disaster, New Year's Day 2026 will not have been easy. Have no lessons been learned from what happened then?

I have an uncomfortable feeling that the fire may have similar causes as the destruction of the Hull bowling alley in 1994 (thankfully without any fatalities). Fire spread rapidly along the bowling lanes and then spread and destroyed the building. Investigation showed that the resins, varnishes and polishes used on the bowling lanes created an extremely flammable surface to the wooden floors. The way the fire spread across the wooden ceiling of the bar seems to have a great similarity.

From what I've read it was some sort of acoustic foam that caught fire & flashed across the ceiling giving off a toxic gas when alight.
I'm still trying to understand how the building got permission for the use it was put to.
Grenfell Tower comes to mind.

Unless it was flame retarded, that would certainly give the same effect. Just like having polystyrene ceiling tiles which have now such a reputation that the advice is remove them.

Acoustic foam is likely to be polyurethane which on burning gives off large amounts of carbon monoxide and cyanide.

[RobertArthur]

@ Exile, a technical summary in English in the Swiss press. A picture of the bar, where the owner carried out a total renovation, including a Notausgang = emergency exit, not very visible.... Another example, the entrance staircase was narrowed. Several photos are now appearing in the press. Many opinions also: " The fire disaster in Crans-Montana is a case that should never have happened. How safe are Swiss clubs really? Switzerland has strict fire safety regulations. According to one expert, problems arise particularly when operators carry out renovations while the club is still in operation." The last ten years there have been three safety inspections according to the owners of the bar. In the meantime, a lot can change. The investigation will have to show whether this strict Swiss legislation (emergency exit?) is sufficient in itself and how it relates to the personal responsibility of the owners of these types of entertainment venues.

[Wilbro]

Back to the weather, it's beautiful and sunny but can't hit higher than 2C or Maybe 3C. Been like it for days and Thursday was -6C at 07h. The ground is rock solid but the pesky moles keep pushing up.

[Lori]

Back to the weather, it's beautiful and sunny but can't hit higher than 2C or Maybe 3C. Been like it for days and Thursday was -6C at 07h. The ground is rock solid but the pesky moles keep pushing up.

Same for us on all counts, including the moles...

[exile]

I recorded minus 7 a couple of days ago as the daytime high. But it is winter. I much prefer real cold and bright sunshine to warmer but damp and grey.