A significant fire broke out in a vacation residence in La Plagne, Savoie, during the early hours of Wednesday, April 9, 2025, prompting the evacuation of nearly 500 individuals. The incident, which occurred around 2:45 AM, originated from a garbage container located in the basement of the MMV Plagne 2000 village club, rapidly spreading to the wooden facade of the building.
According to initial reports from the local firefighters, the flames quickly engulfed parts of the structure, leading to a swift response that mobilized over 100 firefighters, along with 46 vehicles and two water jets. The municipal police and technical teams from both La Plagne Tarentaise and Aime La Plagne were also on-site to assist in the emergency efforts.
As a precaution, 460 vacationers and 60 staff members were evacuated from the hotel. They were sheltered in the Pierre Leroux sports hall, which was prepared with beds, blankets, and other necessities to accommodate those affected by the fire. Fortunately, two individuals sustained only minor injuries and were transferred to the hospital in Bourg-Saint-Maurice for treatment.
The mayor of Aime-la-Plagne, Corine Maironi-Gonthier, described the incident as "very smoky" with "significant damage" reported. She confirmed that while Building A of the hotel remained unaffected, Building B was severely impacted, necessitating ongoing firefighting efforts to prevent further spread to the remaining structure, which houses approximately 350 rooms.
By 8 AM, the fire was still active, and firefighters were engaged in a prolonged battle to contain the flames. The mayor of La Plagne-Tarentaise, Jean-Luc Boch, stated that the situation was under control but not yet fully managed, emphasizing the technical challenges faced by the emergency services.
Local authorities activated the municipal safeguard plan to ensure the safety and well-being of evacuees. As the response continued, rescue teams were diligently searching the premises to confirm that no one remained inside the building. The fire's cause is still under investigation, but initial assessments suggest it began in a garbage container.
The incident has raised concerns regarding fire safety regulations in vacation residences, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas like La Plagne. Many vacationers were left shaken by the experience, and local officials are working to provide alternative accommodations as the investigation and recovery efforts proceed.
In the aftermath, discussions are underway about enhancing safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. With the ski season still in full swing, the local community is focused on ensuring that both visitors and residents feel secure in their environment.
This fire incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with vacation properties, particularly in regions prone to such emergencies. As the community rallies together to support those affected, the resilience of the people in La Plagne shines through, demonstrating their commitment to safety and recovery.
As the situation develops, updates will be provided by local news outlets and authorities. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of all individuals involved and addressing the damage caused by this unfortunate event.
