France: fire in luxury hotel in Courchevel, nearly 300 people evacuated

Rome, 28 January (LaPresse) – Nearly 300 people were evacuated due to a fire that broke out last night in the attic of a five-star hotel in the ski resort of Courchevel, in the Savoie department of the French Alps. Firefighting operations are still ongoing, according to Bfmtv. “The fire is not yet under control, but the actions taken by the fire brigade are effective,” explained the local authorities. The risk of the fire spreading has been deemed “very high” as several luxury hotels and large wooden chalets, including the Grandes Alpes, are adjacent to each other in this area of Courchevel and their terraces and roofs overlap. ‘Firefighters are working in very difficult conditions, with oxygen supplies,’ explained Vanina Nicoli, prefect of Savoie. Guests and employees of the affected hotel were quickly evacuated, i.e. ‘more than 90 people’ according to the prefecture. The hotel management assured the fire brigade yesterday evening that no one was missing, although checks cannot be carried out until the fire is completely extinguished. Given the high probability of the fire spreading, the authorities decided to evacuate the neighbouring hotel as well, i.e. 192 people. In total, at least 279 people were brought to safety. An investigation into the causes of the fire has been launched.