Private citizens in Zurich are opening their homes to relatives of those impacted by the devastating Crans-Montana fire, offering a haven as victims receive treatment.
“Doing nothing is not a solution,” says Jessica Mor-Camenzind, a 55-year-old Zurich resident who is providing apartments—mostly free of charge—to family members arriving in the city. It’s a powerful example of how communities rally in times of crisis, and Zurich is stepping up in a big way.
Mor-Camenzind says she received “tons of emails” from people eager to help after she posted a call for accommodation on social media, offering space to families and friends of those hospitalized.
Private Individuals and Hotels Offer Support
Zurich is playing a crucial role in the care of fire victims, with several individuals currently being treated at the University Hospital of Zurich and the Children’s Hospital, both of which specialize in burn injuries. Relatives are also receiving vital psychological support at these facilities. Many families quickly found lodging in Zurich following the disaster, according to Camenzind, but longer-term solutions are needed for those who may need to extend their stay beyond initial arrangements.
The majority of offers are for granny flats provided by private individuals, but hotels are also stepping forward to offer complimentary rooms for a limited time, particularly near the Children’s Hospital.
“Kispi” Appreciates the Outpouring of Support
Currently, five young patients with severe burns are being treated at the Zurich Children’s Hospital—four remain in critical condition.
Five seriously injured young people are currently being treated in the Zurich Children’s Hospital.
Keystone/Ennio Leanza
The Zurich Children’s Hospital has expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support and solidarity it has received, stating in a written response to a regional journal that affected families have been accommodated either in hospital parent lodging, private homes, or hotels in recent days.
More Apartments Still Needed
Mor-Camenzind has already secured three granny flats, but continues to search for additional options, with a 4.5-room apartment being the current priority. She explains that accommodation requests are primarily coordinated through the children’s hospital or the University Hospital of Zurich, but her extensive network allows her to assist in the search.
