Large-scale operation in Mauthen: house fire with a dangerous situation!

Large-scale operation in Mauthen: house fire with a dangerous situation!

On the evening of December 23, 2025, a serious house fire occurred in Mauthen, which required a major fire department effort. At 7:41 p.m., the emergency services were alerted by neighbors who had noticed smoke detectors and smoke from the fire. The alarm level for the operation was set to B5, and a clear development of smoke could already be observed when the first fire brigade arrived. Fortunately, the resident left the house independently and was uninjured.

The fire departments deployed, including Kötschach-Mauthen, Würmlach, Weidenburg, Laas, Dellach im Gailtal, Reisach and Hermagor, mobilized a total of 112 emergency services and 11 vehicles. There was a need for immediate action as several respiratory protection teams immediately began extinguishing the fire. The fire was quickly brought under control and extinguished. High-performance fans were used to improve visibility and to remove smoke from the building.

Consequences of the fire and determination of the cause

After extinguishing the fire, the emergency services carried out a comprehensive inspection of the property using a thermal imaging camera to ensure that no embers remained. However, the property damage caused by the fire and smoke, as well as the exact cause of the fire, are still under police investigation.

These dramatic events shed light on the importance of fire safety measures in private households. A recent survey by the ADAC, which interviewed over 2,000 people, shows an alarming reality: Although almost all respondents have smoke detectors, less than half have a fire extinguisher. Every year there are between 200,000 and 300,000 fires in private households in Germany, resulting in almost 400 deaths. Effective fire protection is essential, especially in winter, when Advent wreaths, Christmas trees and fireworks pose a high fire risk.

Preparing for a fire

The survey also shows that the majority of respondents believe they are well prepared for a fire. 30% feel safe, while 26% say the exact opposite. Interestingly, younger respondents show a higher feeling of insecurity compared to older people. Many consider their knowledge of escape routes and warning systems to be good, but there are deficits particularly with regard to the correct handling of fire extinguishers, although 91% of those surveyed have at least one smoke detector, the use of which has been required by law since 2024.

Dealing with fire protection is essential, and the ADAC provides information about preventive measures. Recently, the number of fire brigade deployments to fires has increased, while the number of fire deaths in Germany has fallen significantly compared to 1990. However, many vulnerabilities remain. It is particularly important that households are prepared for possible fire hazards in order to act quickly and safely in critical situations.

Given these events, the tragedies caused by home fires are not only individual fates, but also provide an opportunity to reflect on one's own fire safety in everyday life. The authorities and hotspots such as the fire department in Mauthen provide vital services that are essential in an emergency to save lives and minimize damage.

Sources on the incidents and general fire cause statistics can be found at Click Carinthia, ADAC as well as Smoke detector life saver be retrieved.