What happened in Collonge-Bellerive
On Thursday afternoon, at 16:25, a fire broke out at 9 chemin du Pré-de-la-Croix in Collonge-Bellerive. The blaze started in the living room of an apartment, destroying that room and rendering the rest of the residence uninhabitable due to smoke and heat. The apartment was unoccupied at the time, so there were no residents inside when the fire began.
Timeline and initial response
Neighbors alerted emergency services as smoke filled the residence. Firefighters from the Service d’incendie et de secours (SIS) responded with four vehicles and a crew of 15 professionals. Upon arrival, crews found a significant smoke plume and initiated an interior attack to locate and suppress the fire while also ventilating the structure to clear fumes.
Containment and safety
The fire was brought under control around 17:00. Fortunately, there was no spread to adjacent apartments, and residents of the building were not evacuated. Investigators will later determine the fire’s origin and cause, but officials emphasize that the priority was preventing extension and ensuring the structural integrity of the building.
Impact on residents and building condition
Because the apartment was unoccupied, immediate risk to inhabitants was limited. The incident nonetheless highlights the vulnerability of urban housing to rapid fire progression. The living room suffered complete destruction, and the rest of the unit was deemed uninhabitable due to smoke and heat damage. Building management will likely coordinate temporary arrangements for neighbors affected by smoke or the disruption from firefighting operations.
Investigation and next steps
Fire investigators from the SIS, in collaboration with municipal authorities, will examine the scene to determine the origin of the fire and assess whether electrical equipment, heating systems, or other sources contributed to the blaze. The investigation may take several days, and further updates will be provided as evidence is collected and analyzed.
About the SIS and safety reminders
The Service d’incendie et de secours (SIS) operates across the canton to protect residents and property. In lessons drawn from incidents like this, fire safety experts remind households and building managers to maintain working smoke alarms, ensure clear escape routes, and store flammable materials safely. Even in empty apartments, routine checks can help prevent tragedies in similar urban environments.
