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Crans-Montana New Year’s Fire Kills 40: Town Admits Years Without Inspections as Operators Face Criminal Probe

Officials responded with stricter rules, including a pyrotechnics ban.

Overview

  • The municipality disclosed that required fire-safety inspections lapsed from 2020 to 2025, with the last check in 2019.
  • Investigators say a spark-producing party fountain likely ignited ceiling foam and triggered a rapid flashover.
  • Officials imposed an immediate ban on pyrotechnic devices in enclosed spaces and commissioned independent inspections of local venues.
  • Prosecutors opened cases against the operators for suspected negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligent arson, and their permit for a second restaurant was revoked.
  • A 2019 video captured a staff warning about the foam’s flammability, and former employees report blocked exits, poor training and limited access to extinguishers.