The devastating flames extended over 3000 m2. The opening of the Christmas market, initially scheduled for November 16, has been postponed to the 23rd.
A fire broke out during the night from Sunday to Monday in the Barcarès Christmas market, famous in the region, and destroyed several chalets and caused the explosion of gas bottles, AFP learned from firefighters on Monday . The fire started around 4:30 a.m. in the catering area of the site, which was supposed to open its doors from November 16.
The sixty firefighters mobilized were able to contain the fire at 7:00 a.m., when it had spread over 3000 m². The fire reached around ten wooden chalets intended to accommodate traders and several refrigerated trucks.
The Barcarès Christmas market attracted around 1.5 million visitors in 2023, making it one of the busiest Christmas markets in the country. “At this stage, the origin of the incident remains unknown and is the subject of investigations”specified the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service of Pyrénées-Orientales, while no one was injured by the flames.
“Probably” an accident
The police are in charge of the investigation to determine the causes of the fire. In a press release published on social networks, the municipality of Barcarès announced that it was “probably” of a “accident, but we are still waiting for the results” investigations. “It’s just material damage with a major economic impact (…), it’s a bit of a shock there”declared Bruno Berthet, secretary general of the Pyrénées-Orientales prefecture.
Despite the devastating flames which postponed the opening of the Christmas market, it will be able to open its doors on November 23, the City announced on Tuesday. “Thanks to the mobilization of our teams, the magical holiday atmosphere will be there.”
