Arson in Hallau confirmed: proceedings discontinued following death of suspect
The Schaffhausen cantonal public prosecutor's office has confirmed arson as the cause of the major fire of October 2025. With the suspect deceased, proceedings have been discontinued.
Major fire in Hallau: prosecution concludes investigation
The major fire of 16 October 2025 in the village centre of Hallau was arson — the cantonal public prosecutor's office of Schaffhausen announced on Monday following completion of its investigation. However, proceedings for attempted manslaughter on multiple counts and arson on multiple counts have been discontinued, as the suspect is deceased and there is no evidence of further involvement by others.
According to the Tages-Anzeiger, the fire brigade received the alert at around 2 a.m. At that time, a residential building was fully ablaze; by the time the fire service arrived, the flames had already spread to the attics of the immediately adjacent buildings. A further small fire was also discovered nearby. Two residents of the affected house had to be evacuated; one woman was admitted to hospital on suspicion of smoke inhalation.
The suspect — a resident of the house where the fire had broken out — was found dead later that same day near the affected properties.
The authorities had suspected arson immediately after the fire. The investigation revealed residues of various fire-setting materials and accelerants at multiple fire sites. Analysis of the deceased's clothing revealed residues of methylated spirits or a technical cleaning or disinfectant agent, as well as hydrocarbons such as those found in motor petrol. According to the public prosecutor's office, further investigative findings also supported this finding.
Since there is no evidence of involvement by another person and the suspect cannot be questioned, proceedings have been discontinued. The costs of proceedings shall be borne by the public purse. The fire caused property damage of approximately two million francs in the village centre of Hallau.
Source: Tages-Anzeiger