Fire Engulfs Luxury French Alps Hotel; Scores Safely Evacuated, No Injuries
On Tuesday evening at approximately 7 p.m. local time, a significant fire broke out in the attic of the Hotel des Grandes Alpes in Courchevel, a renowned resort in the French Alps. The blaze continued to emit thick clouds of smoke well into Wednesday morning, making emergency responses challenging.
Evacuations and Emergency Response
Officials reported that over 90 guests and staff were successfully evacuated from the hotel the night of the incident. The nearby Hotel Le Lana, which hosts nearly 200 guests, began evacuation procedures the following morning due to safety concerns regarding the ongoing fire.
- Total evacuees: Over 90 from Hotel des Grandes Alpes
- Potentially affected at Hotel Le Lana: Approximately 200 guests
In total, 131 firefighters responded to the emergency. They faced challenging conditions while working to contain the fire and prevent its spread to neighboring buildings. Vanina Nicoli, the prefect of the Savoie region, confirmed that four firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation amid the chaotic environment.
Current Status and Investigation
No injuries have been reported among hotel guests or staff. Firefighters have managed to keep the flames from extending to surrounding structures, and additional evacuations are not anticipated at this time. The local Gendarmerie is currently investigating the origin of the fire, as safety protocols are under close examination following a tragic incident in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, which resulted in numerous casualties last New Year’s Eve.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Time of Fire | 7 p.m. Tuesday |
| Location | Hotel des Grandes Alpes, Courchevel |
| Evacuated Individuals | Over 90 from Hotel des Grandes Alpes; Nearly 200 from Hotel Le Lana |
| Firefighters Deployed | 131 firefighters |
| Injuries Reported | 4 firefighters (smoke inhalation) |
The community and authorities are grateful that no serious injuries occurred during the incident, allowing for a swift response and effective evacuation. As investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring safety in the region’s hotels and public venues.
