Fire at the 12th Arrondissement Town Hall in Paris: An Iconic Building in Flames

A major fire broke out on Monday, January 27, at the town hall of the 12th arrondissement of Paris, requiring the intervention of more than 150 firefighters. The blaze, which ravaged the roof, especially affected the 36-meter high wooden bell tower, which was weakened by the flames and is now at risk of collapsing. This event prompted a significant mobilization of emergency services and authorities. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported.

The fire was first reported around 3:20 a.m. and prompted the dispatch of a substantial response team, including 60 vehicles, three of which were ladder trucks. While the flames were brought under control before 7 a.m., the structure of the bell tower remains unstable, and experts are currently working to prevent its collapse. Paris Police Prefect Laurent Nunez stated that a thorough assessment of the tower’s stability would be necessary, and steps are being taken to secure the entire site.

A Town Hall Affected, but Services Maintained

The incident has deeply moved local officials. The Mayor of the 12th arrondissement, Emmanuelle Pierre-Marie, expressed her shock and sadness, emphasizing the symbolic value of the historic town hall. Meanwhile, the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, praised the firefighters’ efforts and announced measures to ensure the continuity of municipal services. Civil services, such as marriage certificates, birth and death records, will now be handled by the 11th arrondissement town hall, and a temporary setup will be installed at the Reuilly space.

While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, authorities are looking into the matter. Minister of Culture Rachida Dati expressed her sorrow over the incident, drawing a parallel to the fire at Notre-Dame de Paris, and highlighting the historical significance of the building. The authorities are focused on ensuring safety and continuing essential services for the residents of the 12th arrondissement.