Davos security scare: WEF Congress centre evacuated after smoke alarm; Trump safe after ‘fondue hut’ fire | VIDEO | World News
On Wednesday evening, the World Economic Forum (WEF) event was briefly interrupted by a security alert that led to a partial evacuation of the Convention Center due to a “cough-inducing odor” and smoke. Swiss authorities have confirmed that a small fire in a nearby building led to a false alarm at the large events centre.
Emergency response at the congress center
The alarm was activated late Wednesday after delegates in parts of the Convention Center complained of a strong, strange odor that was causing physical discomfort. The organizers followed strict high security procedures and initiated an evacuation process in the affected halls.
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In addition to the firefighters who were on standby due to the summit, emergency service personnel also quickly intervened and spent minutes scanning the building. The incident was handled quickly, ensuring that there was no disruption to the global summit.
The World Economic Forum was temporarily evacuated as a precaution due to a fire alarm triggered by smoke near the conference centre.
The situation was quickly brought under control.
No injuries or serious damage were reported. #Davos26 pic.twitter.com/XUY1Gn9Z23— Anoncandanga (@anon_candanga) January 21, 2026
Originally traceable to a local ‘Fondue Hut’
The investigation carried out by the Graubunden Cantonal Police revealed that the smoke was not coming from inside the Congress Centre. It was determined that the “suspicious odor” was emanating from a small wooden fondue hut located near the hotel complex next to the Convention Center.
Although there was a small fire in the cabin, shifting mountain currents blew the strong odor of smoke directly into the Convention Center’s ventilation system, sparking initial panic. Meanwhile, a nearby hotel was evacuated for a short time as a precaution before the fire was extinguished.
Trump and world leaders unimpressed
The event sparked immediate worldwide interest, mainly thanks to leaders attending the meeting, such as US President Donald Trump.
security update: A statement was made regarding President Trump that he was inside the building when the alarm went off but was not nearby.
White House approval: “The President’s schedule was not affected and the President had completed his main activity the morning before the evacuation procedure began,” a spokesman said.
The summit continues with limited security checks
Following security screening, officials issued an “all clear” notice for attendees to return to the Convention Center. Journalists stated that there were tense moments when participants had to leave their belongings, but the situation returned to normal in the evening.
The World Economic Forum reiterated its commitment to the safety of its more than 3,000 delegates, assuring them that the remainder of the 2026 meeting will go ahead as planned.
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