Blaze at French Alps Hotel Prompts Evacuations, Safety Measures Implemented
On January 28, 2026, a significant fire incident occurred at the Hotel des Grandes Alpes, a prestigious five-star establishment located in Courchevel, a renowned ski resort in the French Alps.
Details of the Fire Incident
The blaze ignited around 7 p.m. local time, specifically in the hotel’s attic. Although firefighters struggled to control the flames, they managed to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding buildings.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the guests or staff. However, the fire produced thick smoke, prompting urgent evacuation measures.
Evacuation Efforts
Authorities swiftly evacuated over 90 guests from the hotel on the evening of the fire. The situation escalated on the following morning, leading to the evacuation of Hotel Le Lana, which housed nearly 200 guests due to ongoing smoke risks.
- 90 guests evacuated from Hotel des Grandes Alpes.
- Hotel Le Lana evacuated the next day.
- 131 firefighters deployed to manage the fire.
Guests were relocated to nearby hotels for safety as the local government coordinated the response.
Firefighter Response and Safety Measures
The prefect of Savoie, Vanina Nicoli, reported that firefighting efforts were challenging due to the conditions. Four firefighters experienced smoke-related injuries during their efforts to control the fire.
The fire remained active into Wednesday morning, with continued responses from emergency services.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Gendarmerie. This incident has raised concerns over safety protocols in the region, particularly following a recent tragic fire in a Swiss bar that resulted in numerous casualties.
Local authorities are emphasizing the importance of rigorous fire safety measures as this situation develops.
