Balcony catches fire in Palanga due to signal flare, causing 25,000 euros in damages

A balcony in Palanga caught fire on August 4, causing significant damage and prompting an investigation into the incident.

The fire, which occurred around 10:15 PM on Žvejų Street, is believed to have been caused by a fired signal flare. The flames damaged the building's facade, the balcony floor and glass, furniture on the balcony, and two benches located near the building. The total estimated damage amounts to approximately 25,000 euros.

Authorities have initiated a pre-trial investigation under Article 187, Part 2 of the Criminal Code of Lithuania, which pertains to the destruction or damage of property. This article outlines penalties for actions that destroy or damage someone else's property through generally dangerous means, or by dismantling or damaging equipment or aggregates, especially if human safety could be endangered.

The law also covers the destruction, dismantling, or damage of property that forms part of the infrastructure of legal entities of strategic or national security importance, or the destruction or damage of property valued at a large sum, or values of significant scientific, historical, or cultural importance. Penalties can include fines, restriction of liberty, arrest, or imprisonment for up to five years.