Six cats killed

More than 300,000 euros in damage after fire at company

Fire departments from all sides fought the fire with 130 men.(Bild: Christian Schulter)

Investigations are in full swing following the serious fire at a company in Lackendorf, Oberpullendorf district in Lower Austria. The result of the major operation: one firefighter had to go to hospital. A dog was rescued from the building. However, six cats did not survive due to toxic fumes.

A fire broke out in an industrial building on Föhrenweg in Lackendorf shortly before 12 noon on Friday. The flames quickly spread across the suspended ceiling and spread to the roof truss.

Fire quickly discovered
A passing witness raised the alarm. Nine fire departments with 130 members and 24 emergency vehicles arrived on the scene. District fire brigade commander Martin Reidl was on site.

A patient treated
The volunteers had to use heavy breathing protection. Shortly after 2 p.m., the fire was declared "out". A member of the Lackendorf fire department had been taken to Oberpullendorf Hospital by paramedics from the Samaritans with suspected smoke inhalation.

Six cats that were in the company died due to fatal smoke inhalation. One dog was rescued.

Police dog at the scene of the fire
To investigate the cause of the fire, the police searched the scene of the accident with service dog "Wendy". Forensic officers continued the investigation on Saturday.

For the time being, it is clear that the stored inventory in the eastern part of the company premises, where the fire broke out, has been completely destroyed. The walls and the hall roof were also destroyed by the flames. The damage is estimated to be at least 300,000 euros.