Major fire near Gare Saint-Lazare: one worker injured and 300 m² of roofing destroyed

A major fire broke out on Tuesday, December 24, in a seven-story building located on Rue de la Pépinière, near Gare Saint-Lazare, in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. According to the firefighters, about 150 of them have been mobilized to control the flames that have consumed 300 square meters of roofing. The blaze reportedly started on the top floors of the building around 9 a.m. before spreading to the roof. Initial findings indicate that a spark from a blowtorch used by workers may have caused the fire.

Evacuation and increased safety measures

One worker, who sustained minor injuries, was taken care of by emergency services and transported to the hospital. As a precaution, the entire building was evacuated. Authorities set up a large security perimeter around the building, blocking access to the area. The mayor of the district, Jeanne d’Hauteserre, expressed concerns about the risk of collapse on the top floor. Authorities are urging locals to avoid the area and not obstruct rescue operations.

Evacuations and ongoing investigation

The fire primarily affected a “service room” on the top floor of the building. An adjacent hotel and nearby residences were also evacuated. While one worker was slightly injured, the cause of the fire is still under investigation. An inquiry has been launched to determine the circumstances of the incident.