Fire Department Issues Safety Warning Following Swiss Bar Fire

In the wake of a deadly New Year’s Eve fire at a bar in the Swiss Alps, North Attleborough Fire Chief Christopher Coleman is issuing a local warning aimed at preventing a similar tragedy from happening here.

According to investigators in Switzerland, the fire was believed to have started after sparkling candles placed on champagne bottles ignited interior materials near the ceiling. The blaze killed 40 people and left more than 100 injured.

Chief Coleman said the incident is an important reminder for restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in Massachusetts that sparklers and other pyrotechnic products are not harmless props — and, in many cases, they are illegal to use or even possess without the proper professional licensing and permits.

The Fire Department noted that under Massachusetts law, devices such as sparklers and other pyrotechnics — including so-called “cold spark” effects — cannot be sold, possessed, or used without certification and permitting. Officials also emphasized that using these items inside a restaurant, bar, or nightclub violates the state Fire Safety Code.

Coleman warned that these devices should never be treated as decorations, party favors, or entertainment inside public venues. He urged any business that currently has pyrotechnic items on-site to contact the Fire Department for safe and legal disposal rather than attempting to throw them out on their own.

Businesses are being directed to contact the North Attleborough Fire Department at 508-699-0140 ext. 5620 to arrange proper disposal.

In the statement, Coleman reinforced that compliance with fire laws and safety codes is essential to protecting the public. He also said businesses found using these devices could face a cease-and-desist order and additional action if illegal activity continues.

The Fire Department noted that it will continue conducting annual inspections and enforcing fire safety codes to ensure local businesses and their patrons remain safe.

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https://northstarreporter.com/2026/01/13/fire-department-issues-safety-warning-following-swiss-bar-fire/