Andorra Rules Out Changes to Building or Fire Rules After Querola Fire

The Andorran government has ruled out changes to building regulations or fire prevention rules following the recent fire at the Querola urbanisation, with the Minister of the Presidency, Housing, Labour and Economy, Conxita Marsol, stating that no modifications are planned as a result.

Acting as the government's spokesperson at a press conference after the Council of Ministers meeting, Marsol said current norms offer sufficient guarantees. "At this point, we see no need" for alterations, she indicated, emphasising that all materials used in the affected structure were EU-approved. The building lacked final inspections and a habitability certificate but complied with requirements, and nothing suggests otherwise.

Marsol praised firefighters for their effective response, noting that the blaze was contained without water supply problems. Two of the seven buildings avoided damage, underscoring the teams' professionalism. The fire impacted roughly 12,000 square metres of buildings and 10,000 square metres of shared underground parking, spreading quickly through the latter—a layout allowed under existing standards.

She described the 1981 industry regulation on fires as outdated but fully operational. Efforts to revise it, underway for some time with input from firefighters and sector experts, are progressing steadily but will not be expedited by this event. "We will continue at the same pace," Marsol said, adding that the project is advanced though complex, and no measures indicate inadequate safeguards. Accidents remain possible even in normal conditions, she noted, but core construction and prevention standards will not shift.