Balcony fire in Arlesheim: Basel-Landschaft police investigating – family temporarily homeless
If you had your eyes open late yesterday afternoon in Arlesheim, you would have seen smoke rising above an apartment block on the main street. The Basel-Landschaft police were alerted straight away – and multiple patrol cars rushed to the scene. The reason: a balcony fire that, from what a local told me later that evening, got pretty intense for a short time.
The situation was serious, but luckily the residents acted fast. The Basel-Landschaft police confirmed to me on site that no one was hurt in the fire. That's the main thing. The fire service quickly brought the blaze under control – but one flat on the affected floor is currently uninhabitable. The family had to leave the area; friends and neighbours have taken them in. That's the kind of community spirit I know around here.
What exactly happened
According to initial findings from the Basel-Landschaft police, the fire started on a balcony on the first floor. The exact cause is still being investigated, but investigators aren't ruling anything out at this stage. The scene has been cordoned off and evidence secured. A standard response for this type of incident – the Basel-Landschaft police professionals are working closely with the cantonal police.
- Time of response: Around 4:30 pm
- Location: Arlesheim, near the village centre
- Damage: One flat currently uninhabitable, balcony completely burnt out
- Injuries: None – that's the best news
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 service from Arlesheim and the surrounding area also turned out in force. They stopped the flames from spreading to other flats. Hats off to the crew 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 perhaps careless behaviour? That should become clear in the coming days. The affected family is being supported by social services, and the local council of Arlesheim is helping where it can.
For everyone breathing a sigh of relief: the balcony fire is completely out, and there's no further danger to other tenants. But the Basel-Landschaft police strongly warn against having naked flames on balconies, especially in dry weather. Even if it didn't look that way today – better safe than sorry.
I'll keep you posted as soon as there's news from the Basel-Landschaft police media office. Until then: cheers to the rapid response crews who keep us all safe. And I wish the family all the best – hopefully they can return to their own place soon.