{"id":113158,"date":"2026-01-14T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/criminal-law\/negligently-causing-a-fire\/"},"modified":"2026-01-14T12:31:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T11:31:40","slug":"negligently-causing-a-fire","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/negligently-causing-a-fire\/","title":{"rendered":"Negligently Causing a Fire"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Negligently Causing a Fire<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-fahrlassige-herbeifuhrung-einer-feuersbrunst\" data-level=\"2\">Negligently Causing a Fire<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-objektiver-tatbestand\" data-level=\"2\">objective elements of the offence<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-qualifizierende-umstande\" data-level=\"3\">Qualifying circumstances<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-prufungsschritte\" data-level=\"3\">Steps of legal assessment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-abgrenzung-zu-anderen-delikten\" data-level=\"2\">Distinction from other offences<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-konkurrenzen\" data-level=\"3\">Concurrences:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beweislast-amp-beweiswurdigung\" data-level=\"2\">Burden of proof and evaluation of evidence<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-staatsanwaltschaft\" data-level=\"3\">Public prosecutor&#8217;s office:<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-gericht\" data-level=\"3\">Court:<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beschuldigte-person\" data-level=\"3\">Accused person:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-praxisbeispiele\" data-level=\"2\">Practical example<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-subjektiver-tatbestand\" data-level=\"2\">subjective elements of the offence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-schuld-amp-irrtumer\" data-level=\"2\">Culpability and mistakes<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strafaufhebung-amp-diversion\" data-level=\"2\">Extinction of punishment and diversion<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-diversion\" data-level=\"3\">Diversion:<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ausschluss-der-diversion\" data-level=\"3\">Exclusion of Diversion:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strafzumessung-amp-folgen\" data-level=\"2\">Sentencing and consequences<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-erschwerungsgrunde-bestehen-insbesondere-wenn\" data-level=\"3\">Aggravating Factors Exist in Particular If<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-milderungsgrunde-sind-etwa\" data-level=\"3\">Mitigating Factors Include<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strafrahmen\" data-level=\"2\">Penalty Range<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-geldstrafe-tagessatzsystem\" data-level=\"2\">Monetary Penalty \u2013 Day-fine System<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-freiheitsstrafe-amp-teil-bedingte-nachsicht\" data-level=\"2\">Imprisonment and (partially) suspended sentence<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-zustandigkeit-der-gerichte\" data-level=\"2\">Jurisdiction of the courts<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-sachliche-zustandigkeit\" data-level=\"3\">Subject-matter Jurisdiction<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ortliche-zustandigkeit\" data-level=\"3\">Local Jurisdiction<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-instanzenzug\" data-level=\"3\">Hierarchy of Courts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-zivilanspruche-im-strafverfahren\" data-level=\"2\">Civil claims in criminal proceedings<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-strafverfahren-im-uberblick\" data-level=\"2\">Overview of criminal proceedings<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-ermittlungsbeginn\" data-level=\"3\">Commencement of Investigation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-polizei-und-staatsanwaltschaft\" data-level=\"3\">Police and Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beschuldigtenvernehmung\" data-level=\"3\">Interrogation of the Accused<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-akteneinsicht\" data-level=\"3\">Access to files<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-hauptverhandlung\" data-level=\"3\">Main Hearing<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-beschuldigtenrechte\" data-level=\"2\">Rights of the accused<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-praxis-amp-verhaltenstipps\" data-level=\"2\">Practical guidance and behavioural advice<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-ihre-vorteile-mit-anwaltlicher-unterstutzung\" data-level=\"2\">Your Benefits with Legal Assistance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faq-haufig-gestellte-fragen\" data-level=\"2\">FAQ &#8211; Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fahrlassige-herbeifuhrung-einer-feuersbrunst\">Negligently Causing a Fire<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=170&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code (StGB)<\/a>, negligently causing a fire occurs when a <strong>fire is caused by negligent conduct<\/strong> without the perpetrator <strong>intentionally<\/strong> causing the fire. <strong>The decisive factor is not the property damage<\/strong>, but the <strong>public danger triggered by the fire<\/strong> to people, animals, or third-party property. The injustice lies in the <strong>breach of duty by disregarding necessary precautionary measures<\/strong> in fire-hazardous activities. Criminal liability is linked to the <strong>objectively foreseeable risk of fire<\/strong> and its <strong>actual realization<\/strong>. Negligently causing a fire is therefore <strong>not merely a mishap<\/strong>, but a <strong>criminal offense of endangerment<\/strong>.   <\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-f014c6a5 alignfull uagb-is-root-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-9d35703f\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Negligently causing a fire occurs when a fire arises due to carelessness or breach of duty, which puts people or third-party property in significant danger.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-ab44282e\"><picture>\r\n\t\t<source srcset=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst-352x198.webp\" >\r\n\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-picture-small\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst.webp\" alt=\"Negligently Causing a Fire under \u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code (StGB). When carelessness becomes a punishable offense and what the potential consequences are.\" >\r\n\t<\/picture>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eThe legal assessment does not depend on the extent of the property damage, but on whether the fire has spread uncontrollably and a concrete public danger has arisen.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-objektiver-tatbestand\">objective elements of the offence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>objective element of the offense<\/strong> covers exclusively the <strong>externally perceptible events<\/strong>. Decisive are <strong>concrete actions, omissions, sequences, means used, and consequences that occurred<\/strong>. <strong>Internal processes such as intent, knowledge, or motives are irrelevant<\/strong> and do not belong to the objective element of the offense. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The objective element of the offense of negligently causing a fire is fulfilled if a <strong>conduct or breach of duty by omission<\/strong> causes a <strong>fire within the meaning of \u00a7 169 of the Criminal Code (StGB)<\/strong>. A fire exists when a fire <strong>spreads uncontrollably<\/strong> and is <strong>no longer easily controllable<\/strong>. A mere ignition is not sufficient; a <strong>fire-typical, independent course of fire<\/strong> is required.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=170&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code (StGB)<\/a> refers to \u00a7 169 of the Criminal Code (StGB), the same <strong>requirements regarding the effect of the fire and the endangerment situation<\/strong> apply to the objective element of the offense. The fire must either have been caused <strong>on a third-party object without the owner&#8217;s consent<\/strong> or <strong>on one&#8217;s own object or with the owner&#8217;s consent<\/strong>, provided that <strong>the life or limb of a person or third-party property is endangered to a great extent<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The objective element of the offense is already fulfilled if a <strong>real danger situation<\/strong> arises due to the fire. <strong>Actual personal injury or property damage is not required.<\/strong> The decisive factor is that the fire, according to its course, is <strong>suitable to significantly endanger people or third-party legal interests<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-qualifizierende-umstande\">Qualifying circumstances<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to \u00a7 170 para. 2 of the Criminal Code (StGB), an <strong>aggravated negligent fire<\/strong> exists if the act <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>results in the death of a person<\/strong> or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>serious bodily injuries to a large number of people<\/strong> or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>puts many people in distress<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">as a consequence.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the act has resulted in the <strong>death of a large number of people<\/strong>, the <strong>most serious qualification<\/strong> exists.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These consequences must be <strong>causally attributable to the fire<\/strong>. <strong>The actual occurrence of the serious consequences is decisive<\/strong>, not merely the abstract dangerousness of the fire.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-prufungsschritte\">Steps of legal assessment<\/h3>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tatsubjekt\">Perpetrator:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The subject of the offense can be <strong>any person who is criminally responsible<\/strong>. <strong>No special personal characteristics<\/strong> are required. Anyone who causes a fire through their conduct or breach of duty by omission can be a perpetrator.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tatobjekt\">Object of the Offense:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The object of the offense is <strong>any object<\/strong> on which the fire arises. This can be a <strong>third-party object without the owner&#8217;s consent<\/strong> or <strong>one&#8217;s own object or a third-party object with consent<\/strong>, provided that <strong>the life or limb of people or third-party property is endangered to a great extent<\/strong>. The protected legal interest is <strong>not the object itself<\/strong>, but the <strong>safety of the general public<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tathandlung\">Act: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The act consists of <strong>causing a fire by action or breach of duty by omission<\/strong>. A conduct is required that <strong>directly leads to the emergence and uncontrolled spread of the fire<\/strong>. A mere ignition is not sufficient; a <strong>fire-typical, independent course of fire<\/strong> is decisive.  <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-taterfolg\">Result of the Offense:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result of the offense lies in the <strong>emergence of the fire<\/strong> and the resulting <strong>concrete endangerment of people or third-party property<\/strong>. <strong>Actual personal injury or property damage is not required.<\/strong> If the death of a person, serious bodily injuries to a large number of people, or the distress of many people occurs, there is a <strong>qualification according to \u00a7 170 para. 2 of the Criminal Code (StGB) <\/strong> .<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-kausalitat\">Causality:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There must be a <strong>causal connection<\/strong> between the conduct or omission and the fire. The fire must have arisen <strong>precisely because of this conduct<\/strong> and have gotten out of control. <strong>Without this conduct<\/strong>, there would have been no fire. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-objektive-zurechnung\">Objective Attribution: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The result is objectively attributable if <strong>exactly the typical fire hazard is realized<\/strong> that \u00a7 169 and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=170&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code (StGB)<\/a> want to prevent. What is meant is the <strong>uncontrollable spread of the fire<\/strong> with the <strong>concrete threat to people and third-party legal interests<\/strong>. <\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eWithout comprehensible causality between the negligent conduct and the emergence of the fire, the accusation is not legally sustainable.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-abgrenzung-zu-anderen-delikten\">Distinction from other offences<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Negligently causing a fire covers cases in which an <strong>uncontrollable fire development<\/strong> is triggered by <strong>negligent conduct or breach of duty by omission<\/strong>, which constitutes a <strong>significant danger to people or third-party legal interests<\/strong>. The focus of the injustice is <strong>not on the property damage<\/strong>, but on the <strong>public danger<\/strong> emanating from the fire. Decisive is the <strong>fire-typical uncontrollability of the fire<\/strong>. The difference to arson lies exclusively in the <strong>absence of intent<\/strong>.   <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/unauthorized-medical-treatment-2\/\">\u00a7 125 of the Criminal Code (StGB) \u2013 Damage to Property:<\/a><\/strong> Damage to property covers the <strong>damage or destruction of an object without public danger<\/strong>. It exists if an object is damaged by fire, for example, <strong>without the fire spreading uncontrollably<\/strong>. If there is only a local fire event that remains controllable and does not constitute a danger to third parties, there is <strong>no fire<\/strong>, but damage to property. However, as soon as the fire <strong>spreads independently and gets out of control<\/strong>, it is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=170&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code (StGB)<\/a>.   <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/?page_id=111524\">\u00a7 169 of the Criminal Code (StGB) \u2013 Arson:<\/a> <\/strong>Arson requires that the fire is caused <strong>intentionally<\/strong>. The perpetrator acts with knowledge and intent in relation to the causation of the fire and the public danger. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=170&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code (StGB)<\/a>, on the other hand, covers cases in which the perpetrator <strong>does not want<\/strong> the fire, but <strong>causes it through breach of duty<\/strong>. The external course of events is identical, the <strong>difference lies solely in the internal element of the offense<\/strong>. If there is intent, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=170&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code (StGB)<\/a> is excluded.   <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-konkurrenzen\">Concurrences:<\/h3>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-echte-konkurrenz\">Genuine Concurrence: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Genuine concurrence exists if <strong>further independent offenses<\/strong> are added to the negligent causation of a fire, such as <strong>negligent bodily injury, serious bodily injury, negligent homicide, damage to property, or trespassing<\/strong>. The offenses stand side by side, as <strong>different legal interests<\/strong> are violated. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-unechte-konkurrenz\">Spurious Concurrence:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spurious concurrence exists if another element of the offense <strong>completely covers the entire content of injustice of the act<\/strong>. This is only <strong>conceivable in exceptional cases<\/strong> in the case of negligent fire, as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=170&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code (StGB)<\/a> as a public endangerment offense has an independent content of injustice. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tatmehrheit\">Multiple Offenses: <\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Multiple offenses exist if <strong>several negligent causations of fire<\/strong> are committed independently of each other, for example, at <strong>different locations or at different times<\/strong>. Each fire constitutes a separate criminal act. <\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eIn the proceedings, the question of the cause of the fire is central. Without comprehensible causality between action and conflagration, the accusation remains legally vulnerable. \u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beweislast-amp-beweiswurdigung\">Burden of proof and evaluation of evidence<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-staatsanwaltschaft\">Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office: <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public prosecutor&#8217;s office must prove that the accused person has <strong>caused a fire<\/strong> <strong>through negligent conduct or breach of duty by omission<\/strong>. The decisive factor is not the mere property damage, but the proof that there has been an <strong>uncontrollable fire development with public danger<\/strong>. The decisive factor is that the fire <strong>was no longer controllable<\/strong> and there was a <strong>concrete danger to people or third-party legal interests<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, it must be proven whether <strong>aggravating consequences of the act<\/strong> have occurred, such as <strong>serious injuries, deaths, or the distress of many people<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It must be proven, in particular, that<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>a fire actually occurred<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the fire has <strong>spread independently and uncontrollably<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the object concerned was <strong>third-party or, despite the consent of third parties, a danger occurred<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>there was <strong>a concrete danger to people or third-party property<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the fire is <strong>causally attributable to the conduct or omission<\/strong> of the accused person,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>there was <strong>no merely locally limited or immediately controllable fire action<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>if applicable, <strong>serious injuries, deaths, or emergencies<\/strong> have occurred.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public prosecutor&#8217;s office has to present whether <strong>the course of the fire, spread, and danger situation are objectively ascertainable<\/strong> and whether the <strong>typical fire hazard<\/strong> has been realized.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gericht\">Court: <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court examines all evidence <strong>in the overall context<\/strong> and assesses whether a <strong>fire exists in the legal sense<\/strong>. The focus is on the question of whether the fire was <strong>uncontrollable<\/strong>, whether there was a <strong>public danger<\/strong>, and whether this is <strong>objectively attributable<\/strong> to the accused person. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, the court examines whether <strong>aggravating consequences of the act have actually occurred<\/strong> and can be attributed to the accused.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In doing so, the court takes into account in particular<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Type, intensity, and progression of the fire<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>speed of spread and controllability<\/strong> of the fire,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>endangerment situation for people and third-party objects<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fire cause investigation and expert opinions<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Crime scene traces and fire residues<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>witness statements<\/strong> on the origin and course of the spread,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fire department logs and incident reports<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>medical findings<\/strong> in the case of injured persons,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>temporal connection<\/strong> between conduct and outbreak of fire.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court clearly distinguishes between <strong>mere playing with fire<\/strong>, <strong>damage to property without public danger<\/strong>, and <strong>controllable fire events without fire character<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beschuldigte-person\">Accused Person: <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The accused person bears <strong>no burden of proof<\/strong>. However, they can raise reasonable doubts, particularly regarding <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>whether <strong>a fire actually existed<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether the fire was <strong>controllable or quickly extinguishable<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether <strong>a public danger<\/strong> existed for people or third-party objects,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether the fire is <strong>causally attributable to their conduct or omission<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether there is only <strong>damage to property<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether the event was <strong>negligent and not culpably in breach of duty<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether <strong>alternative causes of fire<\/strong> are possible,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether <strong>contradictions or gaps<\/strong> exist in the presentation of the course of the fire.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She can also demonstrate that the event <strong>took a different course<\/strong>, the fire <strong>did not get out of control<\/strong>, or the requirements for <strong>negligently causing a fire<\/strong> are not met.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-typische-bewertung\">Typical Assessment<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, the following evidence is particularly important in the case of negligently causing a fire:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fire reports and expert reports<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fire department and incident logs<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>witness statements<\/strong> on the outbreak of fire and its spread,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>video recordings or photos<\/strong> of the fire event,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trace situation at the fire site<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>medical documentations<\/strong> in the event of injuries,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>temporal sequences<\/strong> between action, omission, and outbreak of fire.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/ueber-uns\/rechtsanwalt-peter-harlander\/\" title=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/ph100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Peter Harlander<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Rechtsanw\u00e4lte<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eFire reports, incident logs, and witness statements are only convincing if they show a consistent course. Contradictions in spread, extinguishability, or temporal sequence create justified doubts. \u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-praxisbeispiele\">Practical example<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Unattended iron in apartment<\/strong>: The accused person leaves a switched-on iron on the ironing board and leaves the apartment. The fabric begins to burn, the fire spreads to curtains and furniture, dense smoke enters the stairwell. Several residents have to be evacuated. The decisive factor is that an <strong>uncontrollable fire development with public danger<\/strong> was triggered by <strong>negligent conduct<\/strong>.   <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Disposal of hot ashes in an apartment building<\/strong>: The accused person empties an ash bucket with still glowing ashes into a plastic waste container in the inner courtyard. The container catches fire, the flames spread to the facade, apartments are endangered. The decisive factor is that the fire was <strong>not intentional<\/strong>, but was caused by <strong>negligent carelessness<\/strong> and a <strong>concrete danger to people and third-party property<\/strong> has arisen.  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These examples show that negligently causing a fire always exists when a fire gets out of control due to <strong>carelessness or breach of duty<\/strong> and a <strong>public danger<\/strong> arises. The decisive factor is not the intention, but the <strong>actual triggering of an uncontrollable fire development<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-subjektiver-tatbestand\">subjective elements of the offence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The subjective element of the offense of negligently causing a fire is characterized by <strong>negligence<\/strong>. The perpetrator <strong>does not want the fire<\/strong>, but <strong>causes it as a result of negligent conduct or breach of duty by omission<\/strong>. The decisive factor is that he disregards the necessary care to which he would have been obliged according to the circumstances and would have been able to according to his personal abilities.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Negligence exists if the perpetrator <strong>either does not consider the emergence of a fire<\/strong>, although he should have recognized it with due attention, or <strong>relies on the fact that it will not come to that<\/strong>, although the risk of fire is objectively obvious. The decisive factor is that the <strong>uncontrollable fire development would have been foreseeable and avoidable for a prudent person<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The subjective element of the offense requires <strong>no intent in relation to the causation of the fire and no approval of the public danger<\/strong>. The perpetrator must neither want nor accept that the fire spreads uncontrollably or endangers people and third-party legal interests. It is precisely the <strong>absence of intent<\/strong> that distinguishes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=170&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code (StGB)<\/a> from arson.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The accusation of negligence refers to the fact that the perpetrator <strong>misjudges or underestimates the fire-typical dangerousness of his conduct<\/strong>, for example, through careless handling of open fire, heat sources, or easily flammable materials, or through the omission of obvious safety measures.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With regard to the serious consequences of the act under \u00a7 170 para. 2 of the Criminal Code (StGB) such as <strong>the death of a person, serious bodily injuries to a large number of people, or the distress of many people<\/strong>, <strong>no intent is required either<\/strong>. It is sufficient that these consequences are <strong>caused negligently<\/strong> and are <strong>attributable<\/strong> to the perpetrator.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Negligence is absent<\/strong> if the fire is triggered by force majeure, <strong>by a completely atypical causal chain<\/strong>, or <strong>by unforeseeable third-party conduct<\/strong> that the perpetrator could not control. Likewise, negligence is absent if the perpetrator has <strong>complied with all necessary due diligence measures<\/strong> and the fire has nevertheless occurred. <\/p>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-schuld-amp-irrtumer\">Culpability and mistakes<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/legal-error\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mistake of prohibition<\/a>:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A mistake of prohibition is only excusable if it was <strong>unavoidable<\/strong>. Anyone who handles fire, heat sources or flammable objects is obliged to inform themselves about the <strong>legal and safety-relevant limits<\/strong> of their actions. Particularly in the case of typical sources of danger such as candles, electrical appliances, open flames or hot ash residues, it is generally known that there is a <strong>considerable risk of fire<\/strong>.<br\/>Mere ignorance of criminal liability or a reckless error regarding the permissibility of the behaviour <strong>does not exclude guilt<\/strong>. An avoidable mistake of prohibition does not affect criminal liability.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Principle of culpability:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Only those who act with <strong>culpable negligence<\/strong> are liable to prosecution. The perpetrator must have <strong>disregarded the required care<\/strong> to which he would have been obliged according to the circumstances and which he would have been capable of according to his personal abilities. The decisive factor is that the <strong>emergence of a conflagration was objectively foreseeable and avoidable<\/strong>.<br\/>Anyone who seriously and justifiably trusts that there is no risk of fire and that all safety measures have been taken is <strong>not acting with culpable negligence<\/strong>. However, mere incorrect forecasts or carelessness despite recognisable danger constitute guilt.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Incapacity to be held accountable:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No guilt applies to anyone who, at the time of the act, was unable to recognise the dangerousness of his behaviour or to act in accordance with this insight due to a <strong>severe mental disorder, morbid mental impairment or significant inability to control<\/strong>. In such cases, the capacity to be at fault is excluded.<br\/>In cases of corresponding doubt, a <strong>psychiatric report<\/strong> is obtained. If there is only a diminished capacity to be at fault, this can have a <strong>mitigating effect<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/exculpatory-necessity\/\">Excusable state of necessity<\/a>:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An excusable emergency situation may exist if the perpetrator acts in an <strong>acute, unreasonable emergency situation<\/strong> in order to avert an immediate danger to life or limb, for example, to force an escape route through smoke or heat.<br\/>The behaviour remains <strong>unlawful<\/strong>, but can have a <strong>guilt-reducing or excusing<\/strong> effect if <strong>no other reasonable means<\/strong> of averting the danger was available. The prerequisite is that the dangerous situation was real and immediate. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/erroneous-assumption-of-justifying-circumstances\/\">Putative self-defense<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Anyone who mistakenly believes that they have to cope with a <strong>situation similar to an emergency<\/strong> through their behaviour acts without intent. The error can reduce or exclude guilt <strong>if it was comprehensible and not reckless<\/strong>.<br\/>However, if a <strong>breach of duty of care<\/strong> remains, <strong>negligent responsibility<\/strong> comes into consideration. There is no justification in this case.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafaufhebung-amp-diversion\">Extinction of punishment and diversion<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-diversion\">Diversion:<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The negligent causing of a conflagration is threatened in the basic offence <strong>with imprisonment of up to one year or a fine<\/strong>. This means that the <strong>statutory maximum limit of five years<\/strong> is <strong>clearly undercut<\/strong> in accordance with the Code of Criminal Procedure. A diversionary settlement is therefore <strong>permissible in principle<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A diversion is particularly considered if<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>no serious consequences of the crime<\/strong> have occurred,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>guilt is not to be regarded as serious<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>no death<\/strong> has occurred,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the accused <strong>is insightful<\/strong> and takes responsibility,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the damage caused is <strong>replaced or made good<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>no relevant previous convictions exist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practice, the following forms of diversion are particularly relevant:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Payment of a sum of money<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Provision of non-profit services<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Determination of a probationary period with obligations<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Settlement with injured parties<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Particularly in the case of negligent apartment fires, kitchen fires, incorrect operation of electrical appliances or improper ash disposal, it is regularly examined whether a diversionary settlement is sufficient to deter the accused from further criminal offences.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ausschluss-der-diversion\">Exclusion of Diversion:<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A diversion is <strong>legally excluded<\/strong> if the act has <strong>resulted in the death of a person<\/strong> or the <strong>guilt is to be assessed as serious<\/strong>. The same applies in the case of <strong>particularly serious breaches of duty of care<\/strong> or if a <strong>large number of people were specifically endangered<\/strong> and this reveals a high degree of irresponsibility. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Likewise, diversion is <strong>practically excluded<\/strong> if<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>serious injuries to a large number of people<\/strong> have occurred,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>many people have been put in distress<\/strong> or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the course of the fire has shown a <strong>particularly high potential for public danger<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In these cases, the injustice is no longer regarded as minor. It regularly leads to a <strong>formal indictment and judicial conviction<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the negligent conflagration has resulted in the <strong>death of a large number of people<\/strong>, diversion is <strong>legally inadmissible<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eDiversion requires that guilt and the consequences of the act are minor. As soon as people have been specifically endangered or injured, a diversionary settlement is regularly excluded. \u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafzumessung-amp-folgen\">Sentencing and consequences<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court assesses the penalty according to the <strong>extent of the public danger<\/strong>, but above all according to the <strong>nature, intensity and uncontrollability of the fire<\/strong> and according to the <strong>specific consequences of the act<\/strong>. The decisive factor is how strongly <strong>the life or limb of people were endangered or injured<\/strong> and what <strong>extent of the danger to third-party property<\/strong> existed. The pure property damage clearly takes a back seat compared to the <strong>endangerment component<\/strong>, but remains relevant for the overall assessment.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of particular importance is <strong>how serious the breach of duty of care is<\/strong>, whether the risk of fire was <strong>obviously recognisable<\/strong>, whether obvious safety measures were <strong>omitted<\/strong> and what <strong>potential for spread and escalation<\/strong> existed. In the case of serious consequences of the act such as <strong>serious injuries, deaths or the distress of many people<\/strong>, these consequences are a central factor in determining the penalty. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-erschwerungsgrunde-bestehen-insbesondere-wenn\">Aggravating Factors Exist in Particular If<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the fire was triggered by <strong>gross or particularly reckless breaches of duty of care<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the course of the fire <strong>quickly got out of control<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>people were concretely endangered or injured<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>third-party property was affected to a large extent<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>there was a <strong>high degree of irresponsibility<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>relevant previous convictions<\/strong> exist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-milderungsgrunde-sind-etwa\">Mitigating Factors Include<\/h3>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>a clean record<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>an <strong>early, comprehensive confession<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>recognizable remorse and insight<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>active restitution<\/strong>, as far as possible,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a <strong>subordinate participation in the act<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>an <strong>excessively long duration of proceedings<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafrahmen\">Penalty Range<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of negligent causing of a conflagration, the penalty range depends on the <strong>severity of the public danger<\/strong> and on the <strong>consequences that have occurred<\/strong>. The decisive factor is not the mere property damage, but the <strong>extent of the danger to people and third-party legal interests<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a conflagration is caused <strong>negligently<\/strong> without serious consequences occurring, the law provides for a <strong>imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of up to 720 daily rates<\/strong>. This basic form is already punishable because even negligent behaviour can trigger an <strong>uncontrollable fire development with considerable public danger<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the negligent conflagration results in the <strong>death of a person<\/strong>, <strong>serious injuries to a large number of people<\/strong> or the <strong>distress of many people<\/strong>, the penalty range increases to <strong>imprisonment of up to three years<\/strong>. In these cases, the legislator assesses the <strong>specific damage to human life and the massive dangerous situation<\/strong> as particularly serious. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the negligent conflagration leads to the <strong>death of a large number of people<\/strong>, the penalty range is <strong>imprisonment of six months to five years<\/strong>. In these constellations, the character of negligence recedes into the background and the <strong>fatal outcome of the public danger<\/strong> is in the foreground. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-geldstrafe-tagessatzsystem\">Monetary Penalty \u2013 Day-fine System<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Austrian criminal law calculates monetary penalties according to the <strong>day-fine system<\/strong>. The <strong>number of day-fines<\/strong> depends on the <strong>guilt<\/strong>, the <strong>amount per day<\/strong> depends on the <strong>financial capacity<\/strong>. In this way, the penalty is adapted to the personal circumstances and yet remains noticeable.  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Range:<\/strong> up to <strong>720 daily rates<\/strong> \u2013 at least <strong>\u20ac4<\/strong>, maximum <strong>\u20ac5,000<\/strong> per day.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practical formula:<\/strong> Approximately <strong>6 months imprisonment corresponds to around 360 day-fines<\/strong>. This conversion serves only as <strong>orientation<\/strong> and is <strong>not a rigid scheme<\/strong>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In case of non-payment:<\/strong> The court can impose a <strong>substitute custodial sentence<\/strong>. As a rule, the following applies: <strong>1 day of substitute custodial sentence corresponds to 2 day-fines<\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hinweis\">Note:<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of negligent causing of a conflagration, a <strong>fine<\/strong> is also regularly provided for in the basic offence. In the case of <strong>serious consequences of the act<\/strong> such as injuries, deaths or massive public danger, the fine recedes into the background and <strong>imprisonment<\/strong> is predominantly imposed. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-freiheitsstrafe-amp-teil-bedingte-nachsicht\">Imprisonment and (partially) suspended sentence<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a7 37 StGB: If the statutory penalty threat extends to up to five years, the court may impose a <strong>fine<\/strong> instead of a short prison sentence of no more than one year. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This possibility exists in the case of negligent causing of a conflagration <strong>in principle<\/strong>, as the penalty range in the basic offence is <strong>up to one year imprisonment or a fine<\/strong>. \u00a7 37 StGB is therefore <strong>applicable<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a7 43 StGB: A prison sentence can be <strong>conditionally suspended<\/strong> if it <strong>does not exceed two years<\/strong> and a <strong>positive social prognosis<\/strong> exists. This is <strong>regularly relevant<\/strong> in the case of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=170&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 170 StGB<\/a>, as the penalty range in the basic offence is significantly lower.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u00a7 43a StGB: The <strong>partially suspended sentence<\/strong> allows a combination of unconditional and conditionally suspended parts of the sentence. It is possible for sentences <strong>over six months and up to two years<\/strong>. This form of suspension of sentence also comes into consideration in the case of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=170&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 170 StGB<\/a> <strong>,<\/strong> especially in the case of a higher degree of culpability without serious consequences of the act.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/criminal-law\/probation-assistance-and-instructions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7\u00a7 50 to 52 StGB:<\/a> The court may <strong>issue instructions<\/strong> and <strong>order probation assistance<\/strong>, such as<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>restitution<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>behavioral requirements<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>structuring measures to prevent relapse<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of negligent causing of a conflagration, these measures are <strong>typically accompanying<\/strong> within the framework of a <strong>conditional or partially conditional suspension of sentence<\/strong>. They cannot <strong>replace<\/strong> the imprisonment, but can <strong>additionally secure it<\/strong>, especially in the case of first-time offenders and insightful reappraisal of the damage. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zustandigkeit-der-gerichte\">Jurisdiction of the courts<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sachliche-zustandigkeit\">Subject-matter Jurisdiction<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of negligent causing of a conflagration, the material jurisdiction depends primarily on the <strong>amount of the threatened imprisonment<\/strong>. In the basic offence, the act is threatened with <strong>imprisonment of up to one year or a fine<\/strong>. This means that the main proceedings are generally the responsibility of the <strong>district court<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a qualification occurs and the penalty range increases to <strong>imprisonment of up to three years<\/strong> or to <strong>imprisonment of six months to five years<\/strong>, the main proceedings can no longer be conducted at the district court. In these cases, the <strong>single judge of the regional court<\/strong> is responsible. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bezirksgericht\">District Court<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This jurisdiction exists if the negligent causing of a conflagration is to be assessed in the basic offence and there are no qualifying consequences of the act. The district court decides by <strong>single judge<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-landesgericht-als-einzelrichter\">Regional Court as a single judge<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This jurisdiction exists if the negligent conflagration<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>leads to serious injuries to a large number of people or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>results in the death of a person or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>many people are put in distress or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>results in the death of a large number of people.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In these cases, it is no longer just the public danger, but the particularly serious consequence that is in the foreground. The <strong>single judge of the regional court<\/strong> is then responsible. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-landesgericht-als-schoffengericht-und-landesgericht-als-geschworenengericht\">Regional Court as a court of lay assessors and Regional Court as a jury court<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A jurisdiction as a court of lay assessors or a jury court in the case of negligent causing of a conflagration <strong>does not already follow from the offence alone<\/strong>, because the penalty threat in the qualified framework <strong>does not exceed five years<\/strong>. However, a jurisdiction of a higher panel of judges can result from the <strong>context<\/strong> if further criminal offences are charged at the same time, which require a higher court composition. <\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/ueber-uns\/rechtsanwalt-peter-harlander\/\" title=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/ph100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Peter Harlander<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Rechtsanw\u00e4lte<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eThe judicial jurisdiction follows exclusively the statutory jurisdiction order. Decisive are penalty threat, place of the offense, and procedural jurisdiction, not the subjective assessment of the parties involved or the actual complexity of the facts. \u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ortliche-zustandigkeit\">Local Jurisdiction<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>court at the place of the offense<\/strong> is generally responsible locally. The decisive factor is where the <strong>negligent causation of the conflagration was set<\/strong> or where the <strong>fire has unfolded its effect<\/strong>. The place of the act or the place of the fire success is decisive. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the scene of the crime cannot be clearly determined, the jurisdiction depends on<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the <strong>residence or whereabouts of the accused person<\/strong>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>place of arrest<\/strong> or<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the <strong>seat of the competent public prosecutor&#8217;s office<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If there is also no clear connection, the court in whose district the <strong>indictment is filed<\/strong> is responsible. The decisive factor is where a <strong>purposeful, orderly and efficient procedure<\/strong> is best guaranteed. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-instanzenzug\">Hierarchy of Courts<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An <strong>appeal to the Regional Court<\/strong> is permissible against judgments of the <strong>District Court<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An <strong>appeal to the Higher Regional Court<\/strong> is permissible against judgments of the <strong>Regional Court as a single judge<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>plea of nullity to the Supreme Court<\/strong> only comes into consideration if the Regional Court has decided as a <strong>court of lay assessors or a jury court<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-zivilanspruche-im-strafverfahren\">Civil claims in criminal proceedings<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the case of negligent causing of a conflagration, the injured person as a <strong>private party<\/strong> can assert their <strong>civil law claims directly in the criminal proceedings<\/strong>. These relate in particular to <strong>property damage, restoration costs, reduction in value<\/strong> as well as to <strong>consequential damage<\/strong> caused by the fire. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, <strong>personal injury<\/strong> can be claimed for compensation, such as <strong>treatment costs, loss of earnings, pain and suffering<\/strong> and other direct consequences of the act, if people have been injured or have got into emergency situations as a result of the fire.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>private party connection inhibits the statute of limitations<\/strong> of the asserted claims as long as the criminal proceedings are pending. After a legally binding conclusion, the statute of limitations only continues to run to the extent that the claims have not been awarded. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <strong>voluntary compensation for damage<\/strong> can have a <strong>mitigating effect<\/strong>, provided that it is carried out <strong>in a timely and serious manner<\/strong>. In the case of negligent causing of a conflagration, this mitigating effect is often <strong>significantly stronger<\/strong> in practice than in the case of intentional arson, because the perpetrator did not want the damage. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lower the breach of duty of care and the faster the compensation is made, the greater its mitigating effect. If, on the other hand, there is <strong>gross negligence, considerable public danger or personal injury<\/strong>, the importance of compensation also recedes <strong>noticeably into the background<\/strong> in the case of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ris.bka.gv.at\/NormDokument.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&amp;Gesetzesnummer=10002296&amp;Artikel=&amp;Paragraf=170&amp;Anlage=&amp;Uebergangsrecht=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u00a7 170 StGB<\/a>. <\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201ePrivate party claims must be clearly quantified and documented. Without proper damage documentation, the claim for compensation in criminal proceedings often remains incomplete and shifts to civil proceedings. \u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-strafverfahren-im-uberblick\">Overview of criminal proceedings<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ermittlungsbeginn\">Commencement of Investigation<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Criminal proceedings require a concrete suspicion, from which a person is considered an accused and can claim all rights of the accused. Since it is an <strong>official offense<\/strong>, the police and public prosecutor&#8217;s office initiate the proceedings <strong>ex officio<\/strong> as soon as a corresponding suspicion exists. A special declaration of the injured party is not required for this.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-polizei-und-staatsanwaltschaft\">Police and Public Prosecutor&#8217;s Office<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The public prosecutor conducts the preliminary investigation and determines the further course of action. The criminal police carry out the necessary investigations, secure evidence, take witness statements, and document the damage. Ultimately, the public prosecutor decides on <strong>discontinuation<\/strong>, <strong>diversion<\/strong>, or <strong>indictment<\/strong>, depending on the degree of culpability, the amount of damage, and the evidence.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beschuldigtenvernehmung\">Interrogation of the Accused<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before each interrogation, the accused person receives full instruction on their rights, particularly the <strong>right to remain silent<\/strong> and the <strong>right to legal counsel<\/strong>. If the accused requests legal counsel, the interrogation must be postponed. The formal interrogation of the accused serves to confront them with the accusation and to provide an opportunity for a statement.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-akteneinsicht\">Access to files<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Access to files can be obtained from the police, public prosecutor, or court. It also includes items of evidence, provided that the purpose of the investigation is not thereby jeopardized. The private claimant&#8217;s joinder is governed by the general rules of the Code of Criminal Procedure and allows the injured party to assert claims for damages directly in criminal proceedings.  <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-hauptverhandlung\">Main Hearing<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main hearing serves to take oral evidence, to assess the legal situation and to decide on any civil law claims. In particular, the court examines the sequence of events, the amount of damage and the credibility of the statements. The proceedings conclude with a conviction, acquittal or diversionary settlement.  <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beschuldigtenrechte\">Rights of the accused<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Information &amp; defense: <\/strong>right to notification, legal aid, free choice of defense counsel, translation assistance, and submission of evidence motions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Silence &amp; counsel:<\/strong> right to remain silent at any time; if a defense attorney is requested, the interrogation must be postponed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duty to inform:<\/strong> prompt notification of suspicion and rights; exceptions only permitted to safeguard the purpose of the investigation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Practical access to files:<\/strong> investigation and trial records; access by third parties is restricted to protect the accused.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eThe right steps in the first 48 hours often determine whether a procedure escalates or remains controllable.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-praxis-amp-verhaltenstipps\">Practical guidance and behavioural advice<\/h2>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Maintain silence.<\/strong><br\/>A brief statement is sufficient: \u201cI am exercising my right to remain silent and will first speak with my defense counsel.\u201d<br\/>This right applies from the very first interrogation by the police or the public prosecutor. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contact defense counsel immediately.<\/strong><br\/>No statement should be made without access to the investigation files. Only after reviewing the files can the defense assess which strategy and evidence preservation measures are appropriate. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Secure evidence immediately.<\/strong><br\/>You should secure all available documents, messages, photos, videos, and other records as early as possible and keep copies. Digital data must be regularly backed up and protected from subsequent changes. Note down important individuals as potential witnesses and promptly record the sequence of events in a memorandum.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Do not contact the opposing party.<\/strong><br\/>Your own messages, calls, or posts may be used as evidence against you. All communication should take place exclusively through your defense counsel. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Secure video and data recordings in time.<\/strong><br\/>Surveillance videos from public transport, venues, or property management systems are often automatically deleted after only a few days. Requests for data preservation must therefore be submitted immediately to the operators, the police, or the public prosecutor\u2019s office. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Document searches and seizures.<br\/>In cases of house searches or seizures, you should request a copy of the warrant or record. Note the date, time, persons involved, and all items taken. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>In case of arrest: make no statements about the matter.<\/strong><br\/>Insist on immediate notification of your defense counsel. Pre-trial detention may only be imposed if there is strong suspicion of guilt and an additional ground for detention. Less severe measures (e.g., pledge, reporting duty, contact ban) must take precedence.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prepare reparation strategically.<\/strong><br\/>Payments, symbolic gestures, apologies, or other compensatory offers should be handled and documented exclusively through the defense. Structured reparation can positively influence diversion and sentencing. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/ueber-uns\/rechtsanwalt-peter-harlander\/\" title=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/ph100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Rechtsanwalt Peter Harlander\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Peter Harlander<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Rechtsanw\u00e4lte<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eThose who act thoughtfully, secure evidence, and seek legal assistance early retain control over the proceedings.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ihre-vorteile-mit-anwaltlicher-unterstutzung\">Your Benefits with Legal Assistance<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>negligent causing of a conflagration<\/strong> is a serious offence endangering the public. The focus is on the <strong>causation of a conflagration<\/strong>, the <strong>danger to people<\/strong> and the <strong>considerable property damage<\/strong>. The legal assessment depends heavily on <strong>the cause of the fire, the dynamics of its spread, the dangerous situation, the standard of care and the evidence<\/strong>. Even small differences in the sequence of events determine whether there is actually a negligent conflagration or whether there is a <strong>merely unfortunate chain of events without criminal relevance<\/strong>.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early legal support ensures that <strong>the origin of the fire, causality, breach of duty of care and attribution<\/strong> are precisely examined, <strong>expert opinions are critically questioned<\/strong> and <strong>exculpatory circumstances are worked up in a usable way<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Our law firm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>examines whether the <strong>requirements of a conflagration are legally fulfilled<\/strong> or whether only a lesser offence exists,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>analyses the <strong>evidence on the cause of the fire, source of ignition, spread and endangerment<\/strong> of people or third-party property,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>develops a <strong>clear, realistic defence strategy<\/strong> involving fire experts and technical expertise.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a <strong>representation specialised in criminal law<\/strong>, we ensure that the accusation of negligent causing of a conflagration is <strong>objectively classified, legally clearly delimited and defended with the necessary consistency<\/strong>.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"mr-quote mrbg clearfix\">\n        <a class=\"mr-quote-person\" href=\"\/en\/about-us\/sebastian-riedlmair\/\" title=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"mr-quote-person-img\" src=\"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/themes\/harlander\/design\/sr100.webp\" width=\"100\"\n                 height=\"100\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Attorney Sebastian Riedlmair\">\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-text\">\n            Sebastian Riedlmair<br>\n            <span class=\"mr-quote-person-function\">Harlander &amp; Partner Attorneys<\/span>\n        <\/span>\n        <\/a>\n        <span class=\"mr-quote-content\">\u201eLegal support means clearly separating the actual events from interpretations and developing a robust defense strategy based on them.\u201c<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faq-haufig-gestellte-fragen\">FAQ &#8211; Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq uagb-faq__outer-wrap uagb-block-cf5e1a1e uagb-faq-icon-row uagb-faq-layout-accordion uagb-faq-expand-first-true uagb-faq-inactive-other-true uagb-faq__wrap uagb-buttons-layout-wrap uagb-faq-equal-height     \" data-faqtoggle=\"true\" role=\"tablist\"><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"FAQPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/harlander-partner.eu\\\/en\\\/criminal-law\\\/negligently-causing-a-fire\\\/\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"When does negligent causing of a conflagration occur?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Negligent causing of a conflagration occurs if a fire is triggered by a breach of duty of care, which spreads uncontrollably and creates a concrete public danger for people or third-party property. The decisive factor is not the intention, but the objective foreseeability and avoidability of the risk of fire. A mere brief ignition is not sufficient if the fire remains controllable. The decisive factors are the course of the fire, the dynamics of its spread and the dangerous situation.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What legally constitutes a conflagration?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"A conflagration exists when a fire spreads independently and is no longer easily controllable. The size of the flames is not decisive, but rather the uncontrollability. If the fire can be immediately contained and extinguished, it lacks the character of a conflagration. The assessment depends on the actual course of the fire and is often secured by expert opinions.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is extensive property damage sufficient for \\u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"No, the property damage is not decisive. The focus is on the public danger emanating from the fire. Even comparatively minor damage can be punishable if the fire gets out of control and endangers people. Conversely, extensive damage alone is not sufficient if the fire remained controllable.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What typical situations lead to charges under \\u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Common constellations are unattended stovetops, candles, irons, or electrical appliances, as well as improperly disposed ashes. Also, working with an open flame without adequate protection is typical. It becomes relevant especially when smoke or fire affects escape routes or endangers multiple apartments. The decisive factor is always whether the fire has become self-sustaining.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"How does the public prosecutor's office prove the cause of the fire?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The public prosecutor's office regularly relies on fire cause assessments, fire department reports, trace patterns, and witness statements. It must show that the negligent behavior specifically triggered the uncontrolled fire. If there are several plausible causes or gaps in the sequence of events, legally relevant doubts arise. Causality and temporal connection are central here.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"Is diversion possible in the case of negligent conflagration?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"In the basic offense, diversion is often considered because the penalty is low and the guilt is not necessarily severe. A prerequisite is that no serious consequences have occurred and the accused is insightful. In the case of injured parties, massive public danger, or death, diversion is regularly excluded. The decision always depends on the individual case.   \"}},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"name\":\"What should I, as the accused, consider after a fire?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Do not make any statement on the matter before your defense has had access to the files, because inaccurate details can later be used against you. Secure photos, videos, and other evidence, and record the sequence of events in writing as soon as possible. Do not contact any injured parties or witnesses. Early legal advice is crucial for the further strategy.   \"}}]}<\/script><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-b756e8f4 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">When does negligent causing of a conflagration occur?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Negligent causing of a conflagration occurs if a fire is triggered by a breach of duty of care, which spreads uncontrollably and creates a concrete public danger for people or third-party property. The decisive factor is not the intention, but the objective foreseeability and avoidability of the risk of fire. A mere brief ignition is not sufficient if the fire remains controllable. The decisive factors are the course of the fire, the dynamics of its spread and the dangerous situation.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-3555bb71 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">What legally constitutes a conflagration?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>A conflagration exists when a fire spreads independently and is no longer easily controllable. The size of the flames is not decisive, but rather the uncontrollability. If the fire can be immediately contained and extinguished, it lacks the character of a conflagration. The assessment depends on the actual course of the fire and is often secured by expert opinions.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-a1c2d3e4 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Is extensive property damage sufficient for \u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>No, the property damage is not decisive. The focus is on the public danger emanating from the fire. Even comparatively minor damage can be punishable if the fire gets out of control and endangers people. Conversely, extensive damage alone is not sufficient if the fire remained controllable.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-f9e8d7c6 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">What typical situations lead to charges under \u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Common constellations are unattended stovetops, candles, irons, or electrical appliances, as well as improperly disposed ashes. Also, working with an open flame without adequate protection is typical. It becomes relevant especially when smoke or fire affects escape routes or endangers multiple apartments. The decisive factor is always whether the fire has become self-sustaining.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-11223344 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">How does the public prosecutor&#8217;s office prove the cause of the fire?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>The public prosecutor&#8217;s office regularly relies on fire cause assessments, fire department reports, trace patterns, and witness statements. It must show that the negligent behavior specifically triggered the uncontrolled fire. If there are several plausible causes or gaps in the sequence of events, legally relevant doubts arise. Causality and temporal connection are central here.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-55667788 \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">Is diversion possible in the case of negligent conflagration?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>In the basic offense, diversion is often considered because the penalty is low and the guilt is not necessarily severe. A prerequisite is that no serious consequences have occurred and the accused is insightful. In the case of injured parties, massive public danger, or death, diversion is regularly excluded. The decision always depends on the individual case.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-uagb-faq-child uagb-faq-child__outer-wrap uagb-faq-item uagb-block-99aabbcc \" role=\"tab\" tabindex=\"0\"><div class=\"uagb-faq-questions-button uagb-faq-questions\">\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M432 256c0 17.69-14.33 32.01-32 32.01H256v144c0 17.69-14.33 31.99-32 31.99s-32-14.3-32-31.99v-144H48c-17.67 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.33-31.99 32-31.99H192v-144c0-17.69 14.33-32.01 32-32.01s32 14.32 32 32.01v144h144C417.7 224 432 238.3 432 256z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-icon-active uagb-faq-icon-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 448 512\"><path d=\"M400 288h-352c-17.69 0-32-14.32-32-32.01s14.31-31.99 32-31.99h352c17.69 0 32 14.3 32 31.99S417.7 288 400 288z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"uagb-question\">What should I, as the accused, consider after a fire?<\/span><\/div><div class=\"uagb-faq-content\"><p>Do not make any statement on the matter before your defense has had access to the files, because inaccurate details can later be used against you. Secure photos, videos, and other evidence, and record the sequence of events in writing as soon as possible. Do not contact any injured parties or witnesses. Early legal advice is crucial for the further strategy.   <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><a class=\"mr-cta-link mr-cta-button-cal\" href=\"#h2-booking\" title=\"Free initial consultation\"><span class=\"mr-cta-link-normal\">Select your preferred appointment now:<\/span><span class=\"mr-cta-link-bold\">Free initial consultation<\/span><\/a>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Negligently Causing a Fire According to \u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code (StGB), negligently causing a fire occurs when a fire is caused by negligent conduct without the perpetrator intentionally &#8230;","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":111959,"parent":40715,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[345],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-113158","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-criminal-law"],"acf":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst.webp",1920,1080,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"medium":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst-800x450.webp",800,450,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst.webp",1920,1080,false],"large":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst.webp",1920,1080,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst.webp",1536,864,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst.webp",1920,1080,false],"336x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst-336x189.webp",336,189,true],"352x":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst-352x198.webp",352,198,true],"woocommerce_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst-300x300.webp",300,300,true],"woocommerce_single":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst-600x338.webp",600,338,true],"woocommerce_gallery_thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst-100x100.webp",100,100,true],"yarpp-thumbnail":["https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/\u00a7170-Fahrlaessige-Herbeifuehrung-einer-Feuersbrunst-120x120.webp",120,120,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Simon Prem","author_link":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/author\/simon-prem\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Negligently Causing a Fire According to \u00a7 170 of the Criminal Code (StGB), negligently causing a fire occurs when a fire is caused by negligent conduct without the perpetrator intentionally ...","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/113158","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=113158"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/113158\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40715"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=113158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=113158"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/harlander-partner.eu\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=113158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}