Palézieux farm fire kills approximately 250 animals

A major fire broke out in the barns of a farm in Palézieux, Vaud, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, around 8:50 PM. The blaze completely destroyed the buildings. Approximately 250 animals, primarily calves, died in the fire or had to be euthanized due to their injuries.

No human injuries were reported. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by approximately 3:30 AM on Sunday. The incident required a massive response from various emergency services, including fire departments, veterinarians, wildlife wardens, and multiple police patrols from Vaud and Fribourg.

The cause of the fire remains unknown. An investigation is currently being conducted by specialists from the fire group and the criminal technical brigade of the Vaud Cantonal Police, with support from the Gendarmerie and under the direction of the public prosecutor's office.