In the days following the tragedy in Crans-Montana, the mood in the Saanenland shifted perceptibly. Fireworks were cancelled, flags lowered, and messages of help circulated quietly in community chat groups. Alongside the sympathy came a more uncomfortable reflection, one that many destinations reliant on nightlife and hospitality are now facing: could this happen here? This article examines how fire safety is organised in the Saanenland, who is responsible, and what concrete measures are in place – not as mere rhetoric, but backed by facts.

The tragic fire in Crans-Montana prompted soul-searching across Switzerland – and rightly so. In a region like the Saanenland, where nightlife, hospitality and large gatherings are part of everyday winter life, the question is unavoidable: how prepared are we?

The short answer is reassuring, though not complacent. Fire safety in the Saanenland rests on a dense network of regulations, regular inspections, trained personnel and operational readiness – underpinned by a clear understanding of responsibility.

At the regulatory level, Switzerland applies uniform fire safety rules nationwide. In the Canton of Bern, enforcement is particularly consistent because the Bern Cantonal Building Insurance (GVB) combines inspection authority with insurance. New bars, clubs and hotels are reviewed during the permitting process, while existing establishments are inspected every five to ten years. Crucially, however, responsibility ultimately lies with operators and owners – safety is not delegated; it is exercised daily.

In practice, this translates into clear requirements: maximum occupancy limits, unobstructed escape routes, visible signage, maintained firefighting equipment, and trained staff. Even in historic buildings, common in the Saanenland, a pragmatic approach applies. Historic buildings are generally protected as existing structures, with any retrofit requirements assessed on a case-by-case basis. Where structural adaptations are difficult, technical solutions such as fire detection systems can compensate, enabling early intervention and safe evacuation.

The hospitality sector has also drawn its conclusions. Hotels and larger venues confirm that fire detection systems are monitored 24 hours a day and inspected annually. Staff training is standard practice, and sector-wide courses are offered locally. In the wake of Crans-Montana, some operators have voluntarily tightened their own rules – including a clear rejection of pyrotechnics in enclosed spaces.

Operational readiness is equally central. The Saanen Fire Brigade, a militia force of 80 trained men and women, operates at the highest level of readiness. During peak periods, it is prepared for large-scale incidents and can call on neighbouring brigades if required. Regular exercises, digital mapping of public buildings, and detailed knowledge of access points and exits are all part of this preparation.

Importantly, safety is not seen solely as an institutional task. Firefighters emphasise the role of on-site staff, whose information in the first minutes of an incident can be decisive, and the role of guests themselves. Something as simple as noting exit locations upon entering a venue can save valuable seconds.

Crans-Montana has been a shock. It has also made clear that safety cannot be taken for granted. Regulations, controls and emergency services provide the framework, but their effectiveness depends on constant attention – from operators, staff and guests.

BASED ON AVS | JONATHAN SCHOPFER & SONJA WOLF