The images are impressive. A fire ravaged part of the Barcarès Christmas market in the Pyrénées-Orientales during the night from Sunday to Monday. The fire started around 4:30 a.m. in the restoration zone of the site, they indicated to l’AFP firefighters this Monday, November 11. The market is scheduled to open its doors from Saturday, November 16.
The sixty firefighters mobilized were able to contain the fire at 7 a.m., when it had spread over 3,000 m². The fire reached wooden chalets intended to accommodate traders. “Seven large chalets, as well as four refrigerated trucks and four maritime crates used for storing foodstuffs” were destroyed, firefighters said France Blue.
The fire, by its heat, also caused the explosion of gas cylinders.
Internet users posted videos of the fire on social networks.
The origin of the fire to be determined
No one was injured by the flames. “This is only material damage with major economic impact […]it’s a bit of a shock there,” declared Bruno Berthet, secretary general of the Pyrénées-Orientales prefecture.
“At this stage, the origin of the incident remains unknown and is the subject of investigations,” specifies Sdis 66. The gendarmes are in charge of the investigation to determine the causes of the fire.
The Barcarès Christmas market is one of the busiest Christmas markets in France. In 2023, it attracted around 1.5 million visitors.
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