A violent fire ravaged part of the Barcarès Christmas market, in the Pyrénées-Orientales, during the night from Sunday to Monday. The damage is significant: seven wooden chalets were destroyed, as well as several shipping containers used for storage. 65 firefighters were mobilized.
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A violent fire broke out on the night of Sunday November 10 to Monday November 11 at the Barcarès Christmas market, confirms the Sdis (Departmental Fire and Rescue Service) of the Pyrénées-Orientales to France 3 Occitanie. The flames devastated part of the site, a few days before the opening of the facilities. Significant resources were deployed on site to extinguish the fire.
On social networks, several Internet users are sharing impressive images of the flames ravaging the Christmas market chalets.
The disaster broke out shortly after 4 a.m. in the catering area. Market security officers immediately raised the alarm when they noticed the rapid spread of the flames. On site, firefighters discovered a large fire, where the flames were gaining ground over an area of almost 4,000 m².
“Seven large chalets, as well as four refrigerated trucks and four maritime crates used for storing foodstuffs“, were destroyed, details the communications manager of the firefighters, contacted by telephone by France 3. The intense heat led to the explosion of several gas cylinders, causing violent explosions which resounded in the surrounding area.
Faced with the scale of the disaster, sixty-five firefighters were mobilized, supported by several pump trucks, large capacity tanks and additional emergency vehicles. Their rapid intervention made it possible to contain the fire, eliminating any risk of spread to other areas of the site, in particular the Lydia, the famous liner that was stuck in the sand nearby.
Shortly after 7 a.m. this morning, the fire was under control, but not completely extinguished. Firefighters began flooding operations to smother the fire and prevent the fire from restarting.
The Barcarès Christmas market should normally open its doors on November 16. We do not yet know whether or not the fire will delay this opening.
On the social network Facebook, an Internet user took a photo in the early morning. The flames are extinguished, the damage particularly significant.
The Barcarès Christmas market is a flagship event in the region. It attracts a large audience every year. In 2023, it welcomed around 1.6 million visitors, making it one of the largest Christmas markets in France.
Installed on an area of six hectares, the Christmas village usually offers varied attractions such as an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, shows, and even automaton exhibitions. It also hosts numerous catering chalets.
More information to follow…
