It is now certain, the fire in the Barcarès Christmas Village which occurred on the night of this Sunday 10 to Monday 11 November 2024, will indeed delay the opening of the market. If the town hall of the seaside resort is rather optimistic and announces a potential inauguration of the site next week, several unknowns remain.
And now what will happen? The fire that occurred on the night of Sunday November 10 to Monday November 11 at the Barcarès Christmas Village raises several questions. As a reminder, seven wooden chalets, three metal maritime crates and four refrigerated trucks were destroyed by the flames. No injuries were reported. For the moment, the exact origin of the disaster remains unknown. The investigation carried out by the gendarmerie is ongoing and will have to determine whether it is an arson or accident. This Monday evening, criminal identification technicians (TIC) were on site to make the necessary findings in the presence of an expert.
THE INDEPENDENT – MICHEL CLEMENTZ
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In the meantime, the time has come for questions. From all sides. From that of the elected officials of Barcarès who are waiting for the conclusions of the investigation to be able to act. From that of the traders who had to take up residence in the burned chalets. And that of the general public who would like to know when the Christmas Village will open its doors. For the record, the market was initially scheduled to be inaugurated this Saturday, November 16.
The Independent – MICHEL CLEMENTZ
“Electrical malfunctions”
This Monday afternoon, after several hours of consultation, the municipality revealed more about the situation via a press release. “It is with sadness and dismay that the town of Barcarès informs that a fire broke out last night in the gardens of Lydia, affecting several chalets being installed. We express our deep support to the traders affected by this incident The fire was fortunately contained to a limited area of the site. We are doing everything possible to allow the opening of the Christmas Village next week.explains the municipality, adding that “the causes of this fire are probably accidental”.
We won't be able to install them elsewhere.
For the general director of Barcarès services, Michel Sitja, two options are emerging. The first, rather optimistic: “If the report of the investigation comes out within the week, we will be able to move on to cleaning and bringing in chalets as quickly as possible. We are already on the move with chalets which would come in particular from Belgium. I think it will be fine very quickly to the extent that the fire would have been caused by electrical malfunctions. What's more, the trees, carpet and lighting are fireproof and therefore very little damaged. We could therefore surely count on an opening on Friday November 22 or Saturday November 23.”reassures Michel Sitja.
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Second scenario: the investigation would take longer than expected. “We would be forced to hide the damaged part in order to be able to open. The traders who were supposed to occupy the destroyed chalets would unfortunately have no solution. We will not be able to install them elsewhere. There are no additional places in the Christmas Village”deplores the general director of Barcarès services. To be continued.
