In 1961, the BAS staged the so-called Feuernacht (Night of Fire), the destruction of several dozen electricity pylons, which escalated the South Tyrol conflict.

The Italian state viewed the BAS as a terrorist and separatist organization, while large parts of the South Tyroleans regarded them as freedom fighters.

On 12 June 1961, the BAS organized the destruction by explosives of 37 electricity pylons supplying power to the industrial zone of Bolzano, later known as the Night of Fire (Feuernacht).

Being the leading member of BAS, Sepp Kerschbaumer was sentenced to fifteen years and eleven months on 16 July 1964, for organizing the bombing.

Kerschbaumer was a deeply devout Catholic and participated daily in holy mass in Bolzano; while in prison, he often prayed the rosary.