Warehouses and residential building in Saxon VS destroyed by fire

"The fire destroyed three warehouses and a residential building in the western part of the village, in the direction of Martigny," explained Stève Léger, spokesperson for the Valais cantonal police, to the Keystone-SDA news agency. There were no injuries.

The police do not yet have any precise information on the type of materials that were burned. Investigations are currently underway to assess a possible risk.

A large cloud of smoke rose from the valley floor to the villages of Riddes, Isérables and Haute-Nendaz. The population of these municipalities and Saxon was initially asked to close doors and windows and to switch off ventilation and air conditioning systems. Residents were also advised to warn neighbors and avoid the affected area.

The fire was under control by around 5.30 p.m., according to a statement from the Valais cantonal police. On Monday evening, the extinguishing work was almost complete. The warning on Alertswiss was lifted shortly before 9.00 pm.

Cause unknown

The fire departments from Martigny, Fully, Saxon, Sierre and Sion, among others, fought the fire. The municipal and cantonal police were also mobilized, as was a medical team. According to the police, more than a hundred emergency services were involved in total. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire.