Balcony fire in Arlesheim: Basel-Landschaft police investigating – family temporarily homeless
Anyone with their eyes open late afternoon in Arlesheim would have suddenly seen smoke rising above an apartment block on the well-known Hauptstrasse. The Basel-Landschaft police were alerted immediately – and dispatched several patrol cars. The reason: a balcony fire that briefly sounded quite dramatic, as a local resident told me later that evening.
The situation was serious, but thankfully the residents acted quickly. The Basel-Landschaft police confirmed to me on the scene that no one was injured in the fire. That's the main thing. The fire brigade got the blaze under control fast – but one flat on the affected floor is currently uninhabitable. The family had to leave the area, and friends and neighbours have taken them in. That's what I love about this region.
What exactly happened
According to initial findings from the Basel-Landschaft police, the fire broke out on a balcony on the first floor. The exact cause is still being investigated, but the investigators aren't ruling anything out at this stage. The scene has been sealed off and evidence secured. A standard procedure for this kind of incident – the Basel-Landschaft police pros are working closely with the cantonal police.
- Time of response: Around 4:30 p.m.
- Location: Arlesheim, near the village centre
- Damage: One flat temporarily uninhabitable, balcony completely burnt out
- Casualties: None – that's the best news of all
A neighbour told me he first heard a loud bang, then saw smoke. "I called the Basel-Landschaft police straight away," he said. And they were really quick to arrive. The fire brigade from Arlesheim and the surrounding area were also on the scene in force. They stopped the flames from spreading to other flats. Fair play to the lads and lassies in blue and orange.
What happens now
The Basel-Landschaft police have launched an investigation. A fire investigator has already been on site. It could have been a technical fault – or maybe careless behaviour? That should become clear in the coming days. The affected family is being supported by social services, and the Arlesheim council is helping wherever it can.
For anyone needing to breathe a sigh of relief: the balcony fire is completely out, and there's no further danger to the other tenants. But the Basel-Landschaft police are strongly warning against open flames on balconies, especially in dry weather. Even if it didn't look like it today – better safe than sorry.
I'll stay on top of this – as soon as there's news from the Basel-Landschaft police press office, you'll hear it here. In the meantime: hats off to the rapid response teams who protect us all. And I wish the family all the best – hopefully they can return to their own home soon.