Fire destroys holiday house in Balderschwang; 31 guests escape

A fire badly damaged a holiday house in Balderschwang, in Germany's Oberallgäu region, late Friday night.

The 31 guests inside got out safely and were not injured.

One firefighter was taken to hospital with smoke poisoning.

Around 140 firefighters, along with rescue and technical support crews, worked to contain the blaze, and used an excavator to remove part of the roof.

The house is uninhabitable and at risk of collapse, with damage estimated at about €500,000.

The cause is not confirmed, though an initial assessment suggested the fire may have spread from a fireplace.

Fire investigators are due to examine the cause on Monday.