Safety in Göttingen clubs: Fire brigade takes stock after Crans-Montana

Safety in Göttingen clubs: Fire brigade takes stock after Crans-Montana

Safety in Göttingen's clubs is increasingly in focus after the tragic fire disaster in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, in which 40 people lost their lives and over 100 were injured. This has led to the local fire department carrying out increased checks at the various catering establishments in the city. Frank Dittrich, who has been head of the professional fire department in Göttingen since 2024, explains that the inspections as part of the fire prevention show take place every three years and are organized in accordance with the Lower Saxony Fire Protection Act. These specifically target clubs and restaurants with more than 100 visitors that are not on the ground floor.

In the ground floor rooms, which offer direct access to the outside, less strict regulations apply when it comes to safety. But when it comes to higher altitudes, the regulations are clear: attention must be paid to the safety and accessibility of escape routes, and providers are obliged to check the existing fire extinguishers and smoke ducts. Frank Dittrich emphasizes that a well-organized fire protection strategy is essential for all facilities with special requirements, such as the need for multiple exits. Safety information events for staff are also recommended by the fire department so that they can act correctly in an emergency.

Fire protection measures and striking regulations

As the fire department explains, safety requirements are not just a matter of theory. Every year, the Preventive Fire and Hazard Protection department comes into action and takes care of preventive fire protection measures. These measures also strengthen cooperation with builders, architects and specialist planners in new buildings and renovations to ensure that all applicable regulations are adhered to, particularly with regard to the arrangement of escape routes and fire protection precautions. Facilities such as sales outlets, hotels and meeting rooms must comply with various safety standards.

One point that is often overlooked is the deficiencies found during previous inspections. These ranged from inadequately marked emergency exits and blocked escape routes to defective smoke barriers. Such violations are documented, debriefings follow, and a written report of any deficiencies identified is issued.

Fire extinguishers and emergency exits – the need for regular checks

According to the fire safety regulations, the hanging and maintenance of fire extinguishers must be carried out regularly. Easy accessibility of these products is also crucial. Even though the stages and rooms of many clubs often seem inviting, safety must always come first. That's why the fire department also oversees how staff should behave in the event of a fire, such as turning off the music and instructing guests to leave the room in an orderly manner.

The close cooperation between the fire department and the operators is also reflected in the implementation of events, as fire safety guards are always on site at larger events, for example, in order to be able to intervene quickly in an emergency. Particular attention is also paid to the regulations for dealing with open fires and combustible materials, where coordination with the fire department is always necessary.

In summary, it can be said that the city of Göttingen is taking measures to ensure that events not only have a successful atmosphere, but also that the highest safety standards are adhered to. Those responsible, like Frank Dittrich and his team, are well positioned and carry out their controls in the interests of the entire community, because safety comes first!

For more information about the fire protection measures and regulations in Göttingen, those interested can visit the pages HNA, Feuerwehr Visit Göttingen and Fire Protection Headquarters.