A few days have passed since New Year’s night, and the human toll is now clear: 40 people were killed, and 140 others injured, many critically and with lifelong trauma. Among the dead were children as young as 14, and around half of the victims were under 18, with many teens and young adults among those who died. Families have endured the unbearable pain of not knowing if a loved one was alive or dead for days. 

What this event has made painfully clear is that current fire safety standards and enforcement for enclosed and underground public venues in Switzerland are insufficient and inconsistent. Fragmented cantonal regulations, gaps in enforcement, and the absence of mandatory safety measures create unacceptable and preventable risks — risks that have already materialized before.

Without decisive action at a federal level, this tragedy will happen again — not might. 

We therefore call on the Swiss Federal Council and the Federal Assembly to introduce federally harmonized, mandatory, and enforceable fire safety standards for enclosed and underground public venues, aligned with proven international best practices already used in the US, the EU, and other countries.

What must be required at a federal level:

 

• Fire Detection & Suppression

1. Automatic smoke detectors throughout venues
2. Mandatory sprinkler systems
3. Audible fire alarms capable of cutting through loud music
4. Alarm systems connected to local fire brigades

 

• Extinguishers & Staffing

1. Clearly marked, accessible fire extinguishers
2. Mandatory staff training with regular refreshers
3. Trained evacuation leads on every shift

 

• Materials & Construction

1. Fire-rated interior materials
2. Prohibition of highly flammable acoustic foams
3. Fire doors and fire barriers

 

• Egress & Accessibility

1. Unobstructed exit routes
2. Emergency signage and lighting
3. Regular evacuation drills

 

• Inspection & Enforcement

1. Annual certified fire safety inspections
2. Public inspection documentation
3. Strict occupancy limits and real penalties

 

• Risk Controls

1. Clear safety information for patrons
2. No indoor pyrotechnics or sparklers — ever
3. Coordination with emergency services

 

This is not about culture, celebration, or personal responsibility.

It is about systemic safety, federal coordination, and accountability.

Without clear, harmonized minimum standards aligned with proven international best practices, gaps in regulation and enforcement will persist and tragedies like this will repeat themselves.

Demand safety. Demand accountability. Demand coordinated federal action.

This petition is open to all individuals, regardless of nationality or place of residence, in accordance with Article 33 of the Swiss Federal Constitution.