David Vocat, the chief of the fire department in Crans Montana, was recently interrogated by prosecutors from Sion concerning his knowledge about the deadly fire that killed 41 youths. During the session, a visibly emotional Vocat recounted his last visit to the nightclub Constellation, where he stated he drank sparkling water just five days prior to the incident. He notably descended to the basement where the fire originated but expressed that he did not recognize the acoustic foam on the ceiling as a safety hazard, attributing his lack of understanding to his professional firefighter training which did not cover the inflammability or toxicity of materials used in construction.

In his testimony, Vocat highlighted that his educational background primarily focused on structural understanding, collapse recognition, and fire development, rather than specifics about hazardous materials like polyurethane used in foam panels installed in 2015. He acknowledged that while he was aware of the synthetic nature of such materials and their potential flammability, he did not have the necessary training to assess their risks adequately. This admission raises concerns regarding the overall safety protocols and awareness of materials in venues where large gatherings occur.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about fire safety regulations and the responsibilities of fire safety officials, especially in light of the tragic loss of life. The response from fire department officials, like Vocat, may prompt reviews of training programs to include critical knowledge about hazardous materials, enabling them to better protect the public in the future. These revelations could lead to more stringent regulations and greater accountability for venue operators regarding safety standards, potentially transforming how fire safety is managed in public spaces.