Courmayeur has banned sparklers and other open flames inside enclosed public venues after a New Year's Eve bar fire in Crans‑Montana that killed 40 people and injured 116. Investigators say 'fountain candle' sparklers brought too close to the ceiling likely ignited the blaze. Italian authorities have stepped up inspections of nightclubs and venues, closing several in Rome, while the national government weighs a possible nationwide indoor sparkler ban.
Courmayeur Bans Indoor Sparklers After Deadly Crans‑Montana Bar Blaze
FILE PHOTO: Alpinists make their way across a glacier on the Italian side of Mont Blanc massif in Courmayeur, Italy, September 3, 2020. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner/File Photo
Milan, Jan 20 — Courmayeur, the upscale Italian ski resort at the foot of Mont Blanc, has banned sparklers and other open-flame items inside enclosed venues following a fatal New Year's Eve blaze at a bar in Crans‑Montana, Switzerland.
What Happened
The Crans‑Montana fire killed 40 people, most of them teenagers, including six Italians, and injured 116. Investigators say the blaze was likely triggered by 'fountain candle' sparklers that were carried too close to the ceiling.
Local Measures and Inspections
In a statement on Tuesday, Courmayeur's town hall said the ban covers 'open flames and pyrotechnic items in all enclosed spaces, in particular in public venues.' Mayor Roberto Rota called the measure 'necessary and urgent,' citing the frequent use of flaming objects during celebrations.
Roberto Rota, Mayor of Courmayeur: 'The prohibition is aimed at preventing another tragedy and protecting residents and visitors during busy winter nights.'
Across Italy, local authorities have intensified safety inspections of nightclubs and other public venues, checking capacity limits, emergency exits and overall fire-safety measures. Several clubs and discotheques in Rome — including Piper, one of the capital's best-known historic venues — were ordered closed this month after safety checks.
National And Cross-Border Response
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her government is considering a nationwide ban on indoor sparklers. Several Swiss cantons have already prohibited the devices following the Crans‑Montana tragedy.
Francesco Lenzi, 20, from Milan: 'I have often witnessed the use of flaming objects in bars and discos in Courmayeur and elsewhere. Other cities should follow this example.'
(Reporting by Cristina Carlevaro; editing by Gavin Jones and Mark Heinrich)
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