Andorra Forms Group to Toughen 1978 Fire Rules After Deadly Swiss Nightclub Blaze

Andorra's government has established a working group to update and toughen 1978 fire prevention rules for public venues, including nightclubs, following the New Year's Eve fire at Switzerland's Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana that killed more than 40 people and injured 80 others.

Government spokesperson Guillem Casal announced the group after a Council of Ministers meeting, bringing together firefighters, the industrial safety department, communes, and nightclub owners. He emphasised creating a "much more global" framework to ensure venues meet opening requirements and maintain them over time, extending beyond pyrotechnics like bengalas—flares commonly used to light champagne bottles in private celebrations or VIP areas. The process, aimed at stricter controls and more inspections, will take several months for thoroughness.

Casal noted prior efforts, including a December meeting of the Pas de la Casa nightlife table organised by Encamp commune. Participants there agreed on specific pyrotechnics checks, good practices, and measures like minimising use in enclosed spaces or near flammables, while ensuring clear emergency exits. No major incidents occurred during the winter season. He also recalled pre-existing plans with Encamp to strengthen preventive oversight, predating the Swiss tragedy.

The 1978 regulations, partially revised but largely unchanged, do not cover modern risks such as new materials, toxic plastics, inadequate ventilation, undeclared renovations, or high-rise buildings. Fire Prevention Service director Jordi Farré called the original rules advanced for their era but now obsolete, confirming inter-departmental work on updates—including first-ever high-rise provisions and a public venues census. In the meantime, stricter standards from neighbours, typically France, apply.

Fire union leaders have long called for reform. Joan Torra of the Andorran Firefighters Association (ABA) said the rules ignore hazards like unchecked flammable decorations. Ivan Vilares of SIBA stressed owner responsibility post-opening, noting new builds meet European standards initially but changes create gaps. "Insurance requires compliance, but Andorran law does not reflect current real dangers," Vilares said, describing it as "a matter of common sense." Miquel Afran of A118 pointed out that while new constructions are controlled, older buildings often lack effective checks, such as proper fire doors.

Casal expressed condolences for the Swiss victims and those from Spain's October 2023 Murcia nightclub fires at Teatre and Fonda Milagros, where special effects ignited roof materials and killed 13. Social media images confirm bengalas' prevalence in Andorra, unlike Catalonia's indoor ban favouring LED alternatives. Oversight splits across departments and unverified architect approvals add risks in ageing structures. The revision builds on years of discussions, including post-2019 election warnings and incidents like 2023 Escaldes tower and 2024 Valencia block fires.