Approach in Unterterzen: Several cars went up in flames!

Approach in Unterterzen: Several cars went up in flames!

On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Unterterzen, part of the municipality of Quarten in Switzerland, broke out several vehicle fires. According to Fireworld , the message came shortly after 7:30 p.m. at the cantonal emergency center St. Gallen while the fire was discovered shortly after 7:15 p.m. The fire brigade was able to quickly control the fire.

A first car was already in full fire on Walenseestrasse, and the fire had spread to a total of three other vehicles and parts of an adjacent building. The property damage amounts to several ten thousand francs. The cause of the fire is considered alleged arson, which was also confirmed by the St. Gallen cantonal police. Several patrols and specialists from the police, supported by around 45 members of the local fire brigade, who were efficient to extinguish the flames.

background information on causes of fire

fires are a serious problem in Switzerland. According to bfb-cipi , around 8,600 fire damage was registered in buildings in 2023, whereby the damage amount was a total of CHF 261.7 million. These figures illustrate the width of the problem, especially with regard to arson, which is identified as a common cause of such incidents.

On average, around 11,000 arson damage throughout Switzerland occurred annually between 2004 and 2023, which clarifies that the source of fire ranks is diverse. Frequent causes are lightning strikes, electrical problems, carelessness or improper handling of combustible materials.

The incidents in Unterterzen raise questions about security and protection against fire hazards again, especially because arson has a proportion of the causes of fires that should not be underestimated. In this case, the St. Gallen cantonal police are currently investigating, while the municipalities and the canton continue to take measures to sensitize the population and to ensure that it is security.