"The chimney at Crematorium I could not operate because it was not connected to the building"

Negationists regard as a lie the functioning of the cremation chimney at Auschwitz I. They claim it could not have functioned properly because it is separated from the crematorium building.

The facts:

In the technical sense, various methods are applied in the construction of industrial furnaces, including crematorium furnaces, with regard to the removal of exhaust fumes from the fire chamber. A very common solution is the construction of heat-resistant fire channels under the floor and in the ground running a few or even a dozen or so metres from the furnace to the chimney. This solution was applied in the construction of Auschwitz I crematorium I, as well as in crematoria II and III in Auschwitz II-Birkenau. In the case of crematorium I, this is most visible because it was converted from a storehouse which originally did not need a chimney.

1941 plan of crematorium I with the third furnace, which was then planned to be installed, marked. Additionally, the already existing furnaces are outlined, as is the fire channel running under the floor to the chimney located next to the building. Source: Archives of Auschwitz Museum.

The photograph shows Commandant Rudolf Höss, next to the Kommandantur during an official visit of SS dignitaries (unidentified). The KL Auschwitz crematorium I chimney is seen in the background. Source: Archives of Auschwitz Museum

Moreover, in 1944, when the crematorium no longer functioned, the chimney and furnaces were dismantled because the building was to be converted into an air raid shelter for SS personnel.

1944 plan of crematorium I adapted to serve as an air raid shelter after the crematorium chimney had been demolished showing the new division of chambers. Source: Archives of Auschwitz Museum

In the second half of 1947, during the setting up of the museum, some survivors decided to reassemble the furnaces from surviving metal elements and rebuild the chimney from what was left of its foundations. The original fire ducts are still under the floor of the furnace wall.

Crematorium and gas chamber I today.

Foundations of the unreconstructed third crematorium I furnace. The fire channels can be seen inside. Source: Collections of Igor Bartosik

Foundations of the unreconstructed third crematorium I furnace. The fire channels can be seen inside. Source: Collections of Igor Bartosik