MMR is prepared to potentially adjust building regulations due to the fire in Most

Prague – The Ministry for Regional Development (MMR) is prepared to address any deficiencies in building regulations or methodologies if the results of the investigation into the tragic weekend fire at the restaurant in Most indicate such issues. However, it is more likely to initiate a debate about possible changes to fire protection rules. This was conveyed to ČTK by MMR spokesperson Karolína Nová. According to available information, the fire was caused by a gas heater in the closed outdoor seating area.

Most obligations related to fire protection and safety, according to the ministry spokesperson, are governed by the legal regulations of the Fire Rescue Service (HZS), which is also one of the authorities involved in granting building permits.

The operation of outdoor seating areas and, more generally, restaurant facilities falls under the jurisdiction of several authorities and legal regulations. The matter would pertain to the building law, and thus the Ministry for Regional Development, if the outdoor seating area were classified as a structure, Nová stated.

"Regarding the amendment of methodologies and legal regulations of MMR in response to this tragic event, based on the currently available public information at our disposal, it is likely that the tragedy was not caused by the structure but by the introduced furnishings. Therefore, a debate is expected primarily on the rules related to fire protection. At this moment, we can state that we are maximally supportive of the HZS and, if needed, we are prepared to cooperate with other authorities that contact us regarding building regulations and the investigation," Nová said.

The restaurant U Kojota in Most burned down on the night of Sunday, January 12. As a result of the fire, seven people died. Two individuals with burns remain in critical condition. The fire caused damage of approximately seven million crowns. The cause is under investigation, with initial reports suggesting that it may have been caused by an overturned gas air heater.

Due to the tragedy, firefighters will begin inspecting closed outdoor seating areas across the country in February, while in the Ústí Region, business and building authorities have already started extraordinary inspections of restaurants.

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Chamber: Gas heaters are often installed in violation of regulations and standards

Prague – Gas heaters are often installed by owners in spaces without consultation with designers and frequently in violation of applicable standards and safety regulations. These devices are often improperly installed, resulting in serious fire risks. This was stated in a press release by the Czech Chamber of Authorized Engineers and Technicians active in Construction (ČKAIT). According to initial information, the overturned gas air heater may have caused the tragic fire at the restaurant in Most over the weekend.

Fires caused by gas heaters can be prevented, according to the Chamber, through regular inspections and checks. Starting in February, firefighters intend to conduct these inspections. They will check closed outdoor seating areas across the country; in the Ústí Region, business and building authorities have already begun extraordinary inspections of restaurants.

Inspections, ensuring high-quality project documentation, and strict compliance with the installation and operation manuals for heating devices are, according to the Chamber, key factors for ensuring the safe operation of pergolas, shelters, and other extensions.

"The building law stipulates that every structure must have valid project documentation that is consistent with the actual execution of the building, including all additional changes and modifications. If this is not the case, the owner must ensure what is known as the passportization of the structure or obtain additional permits for the modifications made, including compliance with fire protection regulations," said the chairman of ČKAIT, Robert Špalek.

According to experts from ČKAIT, a number of covered spaces, such as gardens, canopies, and pergolas, create a combination of several risk factors that can endanger fire safety. These include particularly the combination of wooden structures, roofing or covering with flammable materials, and the use of gas heaters connected to pressurized propane-butane cylinders. However, this combination of materials and devices should not be inherently dangerous; it must always be accompanied by appropriate preventive measures.

Each such extension is, according to the chairman of the professional group ČKAIT for fire safety of buildings, Josef Král, actually a structure that must comply with strict rules.

"The parameters of escape routes, such as their number, width, and maximum length, are determined with regard to the use of the building, the number of individuals who will use it, and its location. Additionally, the safe use of gas heaters must be ensured, which must be installed according to the prescribed manual, including observing safe distances from flammable materials, placement on a stable base, and measures against tipping over or extinguishing the flame. Adequate ventilation is also essential for ensuring the safe operation of these devices," Král added.

The fire in Most, with seven casualties, is the sixth most tragic in the Czech Republic since 1990. It caused an estimated damage of seven million crowns. The cause is under investigation. Police are investigating the case for suspicion of general endangerment due to negligence, having ruled out violent entry or a terrorist act.