Major barn fire breaks out in Schaffhausen, surrounding buildings spared

Where the fire broke out

Schaffhausen city police (Die Kantonspolizei) and the regional rescue service BRK were deployed alongside Schaffhausen's professional and volunteer fire brigades. Multiple fire engines and rescue vehicles positioned themselves around the burning structure to protect adjacent properties.

The intensity of the fire, described in dispatches as a Vollbrand — a fully developed blaze — required sustained water supply operations. Firefighters used hoses to cool neighbouring roofs and walls so that sparks and radiant heat could not ignite them.

Although smoke was visible across a wide area of central Schaffhausen, no injuries have been reported so far. Authorities did not immediately say how many people had to leave their homes or workplaces during the operation.

Damage and casualties

An initial assessment of the damage suggested the barn itself was largely destroyed, while nearby buildings appeared to have suffered only superficial heat and smoke exposure. The exact contents of the barn, and whether livestock were kept there, had not been confirmed by late Monday.

Police sealed off access points on Fulachstrasse and Ebnatstrasse, redirecting traffic and pedestrians away from the cordon. Rail traffic near Bahnhof Schaffhausen was monitored but not formally interrupted, according to initial reports.

Cause still under investigation

The cause of the fire remained unclear on Monday night. Investigators from the cantonal police were expected to begin work at the scene once the area had been declared safe, with findings likely to take several days.

Separately, a smaller fire incident had been reported earlier in Braunau TG, a locality outside Schaffhausen, though SRF reporting did not link the two events.

Residents described hearing a series of loud bangs as structural elements inside the barn collapsed under the heat. One local told reporters the glow from the flames was visible from several streets away during the peak of the fire.

The scene remained active into the night as firefighters worked to extinguish remaining hot spots. The police spokeswoman urged members of the public to continue avoiding the area until the all-clear was given.