Reconstruction of the Sinzing primary school after fire damage in time for the start of school

Reconstruction of the Sinzing primary school after fire damage in time for the start of school

On the night of Saturday, November 26, 2024, the fire department in Sinzing was alerted to a fire at the elementary school. Flames blazed from an equipment warehouse on the school grounds, causing material damage in the five-figure range. Firefighters were able to quickly bring the fire under control and fortunately there were no injuries. The Mittelbayerische reports that the investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing. According to the current status, a technical defect cannot be ruled out, but the possibility of arson remains open.

During their investigation, the arson investigators from the Regensburg criminal police did not find any traces of arson. The reconstruction of the burnt down shed in the school yard should be completed in time for the start of school on September 15, 2025. In total, the costs for the reconstruction amount to around 118,000 euros, which will be used, among other things, for the steel construction with cladding, the disposal of the burned parts, cleaning work and the purchase of new shelves and equipment for gardening and winter service. [Sinzing](https://www.sinzing.de/aktuelles/alle-melden/brand Schaden-an-der-grundschule-sinzing-vom-26112024/) emphasizes that the delay in the new building is due to coordination formalities with the insurance company.

Prepare for an emergency

In light of such incidents, it is essential for schools to take effective fire safety measures. The DGUV emphasizes in its magazine “pluspunkt” that a clear alarm plan is crucial to avoid panic and to prepare the school community for an emergency. This alarm plan should contain behavioral measures, escape route markings and responsibilities. In addition, responsibility for organizational fire protection lies with the schools, which includes, among other things, training employees to become fire protection assistants.

A broad information base is necessary for everyone involved, especially for teachers who are in direct contact with students. Frank Dick, deputy headmaster of a high school in Wallhalben, has successfully used modern means such as escape games to get students excited about the topic of fire protection. The regular publication of the magazine “pluspunkt”, which appears four times a year, is a further step towards raising awareness and training in the area of ​​fire protection.