“For this reason, the opening of the festival grounds has been delayed,” said police.
Oktoberfest runs from 20 September until 5 October and it has already attracted more than 3.5 million visitors. It is described as both the world’s biggest folk and beer festival.
Police investigating the fire in Lerchenau said they believed a residential building was deliberately set alight as part of a family dispute.
“The injured person who was found has since died. Another person is missing, but is not believed to pose any danger,” they added.
“Booby traps were also found in the affected building. Special forces were called in to defuse them.”
Numerous emergency personnel are on site.