On November 11, 2024 at 4:28 a.m., a fire broke out at the Barcarès Christmas Market (Pyrénées-Orientales, Occitanie), the opening of which was scheduled for November 16, 2024.
On November 11, 2024, at 4:28 a.m., a fire of rare intensity broke out on the site of the Barcarès Christmas Market, in the Pyrénées-Orientales in Occitanie. While the official opening of the Christmas village was scheduled for November 16, this incident disrupts preparations and threatens the holding of this highly anticipated annual event. The teams responsible for protecting the installation site alerted the authorities at the first signs of flames, which enabled rapid and coordinated emergency response.
7 wooden chalets damaged
According to initial information, the fire affected an area of 3,000 m², damaging seven wooden chalets, three maritime caissons and four refrigerated trucks. The disaster, of impressive violence, mobilized significant relief resources. A total of 61 firefighters were deployed, supported by the fire service chain of command.
Firefighters fought fiercely for nearly three hours, managing to contain the fire around 7 a.m. Their intervention made it possible to protect crucial installations, including the Lydia, an emblematic boat of the site, which could have suffered heavy damage without their responsiveness.
The origin of the fire is unknown at this time.
The origin of the fire remains undetermined at this time, and an investigation is underway to identify the exact causes of the fire. In the meantime, significant clearing and cleaning work must be carried out to secure the site and assess the material damage. The teams are now working to determine whether the event can be maintained, while taking into account the security measures necessary for holding the Christmas market.
SDIS 66, through its spokesperson, expressed its gratitude to the firefighters for their “efficiency and dedication”, as well as to all those present on the ground. “We warmly thank the firefighters for their efficiency and dedication, as well as all the people mobilized to ensure the safety and management of this incident,” he declared, emphasizing the crucial role of the various services involved. The National Gendarmerie, Enedis, as well as local elected officials also went to the site to coordinate operations and ensure the security of the area.
The next few hours will be decisive for the organizers, who will have to assess the extent of the damage and decide on the measures to take to preserve this festive event. This Christmas market, known for its activities, its magical decorations and its warm atmosphere, attracts thousands of visitors each year and represents a highlight for the region's residents and traders.
This fire leaves a bitter taste as the end-of-year festivities approach, but the mobilization and determination of the teams on site testify to the hope of being able to inaugurate, despite everything, this long-awaited Christmas village.
Photo credit: Steven Jarossay – SDIS 66.
