Major Fire Incident at Alterlaa Residential Complex in Vienna

A serious fire broke out in the Alterlaa residential complex in Vienna's Liesing district, resulting in significant property damage and the loss of one life. The blaze, which originated from a residential unit on the ninth floor, rapidly spread, engulfing the balcony of the initial apartment and subsequently affecting several balconies on the higher floors.

Emergency services received multiple calls on Friday evening reporting the outbreak of the fire. Due to the intensity of the flames and the resulting heat, apartments located directly above the source of the fire also sustained considerable damage. Several residents found themselves trapped in smoke-filled areas, necessitating immediate intervention by emergency responders.

Firefighters responded promptly, employing two interior water hoses while donning breathing apparatuses to tackle the blaze from within the building. Simultaneously, a third hose was operated from outside using a rotary ladder to contain the fire on the upper balconies. Their swift and coordinated efforts were crucial in preventing further spread of the flames and mitigating additional damage to the complex.

As part of the rescue operations, the fire brigade utilized special escape hoods to safely evacuate residents from areas heavily affected by smoke. The Vienna professional rescue services were also on site with 18 emergency vehicles, including a mobile command post and an evacuation bus, to support the evacuation and provide immediate medical care to those affected.

In total, 54 residents received assistance from the emergency teams. Of these, 30 individuals without health complaints were relocated to a nearby heated tennis facility for temporary shelter and supervision. The remaining 24 people were examined by emergency doctors in the evacuation bus and continued to receive medical attention as needed. One individual was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation, but was soon discharged and returned under the care of rescue personnel.

Tragically, during the firefighting and search operations, one deceased individual was discovered in the affected area. The authorities have not released further details regarding the circumstances of the fatality pending an ongoing investigation.

Once the main fire was extinguished, comprehensive follow-up work was necessary, including further extinguishing efforts and extensive cleanup of the damaged areas. During these operations, emergency workers also rescued a pet rabbit from one of the fire-affected apartments, reuniting it with its owner.

The Vienna Fire Brigade and professional rescue services have praised the coordinated response and rapid deployment of resources, which played a pivotal role in managing the situation and limiting the impact on residents. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by residential fires and the importance of swift action by emergency services.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the exact cause of the fire and are assessing the full extent of the damages incurred. Residents affected by the incident are receiving ongoing support as recovery and restoration efforts continue within the Alterlaa residential complex.