A significant fire broke out at the Town Hall of the 12th Arrondissement of Paris, causing extensive damage but fortunately no casualties. The incident occurred during the early hours of January 27, 2024, sparking concern among locals and officials alike.
More than 150 firefighters were mobilized to combat the blaze, which centered around the campanile of the historic building. Firefighters received the alarm around 3:20 AM and managed to bring the fire under control by 7 AM, according to officials. The Paris fire brigade deployed approximately 60 fire engines, including aerial units, to effectively fight the flames.
Laurent Nunez, the prefect of police, who was on-site shortly after the fire began, described the incident as "un feu de toiture" or roof fire. He emphasized, “At this stage, I have no reason to believe it is criminal.” Fortunately, there were no victims involved as the building was evacuated prior to the fire’s expansion.
Witnesses on social media shared dramatic images of the burning campanile, towering 36 meters high. One firefighter noted early on, “The beams are well charred; it hardly holds together.” Nunez confirmed the precarious state of the campanile and the danger of its potential collapse, particularly as strong winds were reported at the time.
Given the structure’s age and heritage, this incident marks the second time the Town Hall has faced fire damage; over 150 years ago, during the upheaval of the Paris Commune, its predecessor was destroyed by flames. The current building, fenced off for safety, was built under the guidance of architect Antoine-Julien Hénard, who established its Renaissance-style design.
Patrick Bloche, the first deputy mayor of Paris, conveyed the major concern over the campanile's stability, stating, “The firefighters have clearly indicated we need to dismantle the campanile,” reflecting the urgency of the situation. Following the fire, architect teams were brought in to assess the structure and discuss whether supports could be placed to prevent any collapse.
The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, expressed deep emotion over the incident, seeing it as more than just a building but as "la maison commune, la maison du peuple" – the common house of the people. She expressed commitment to maintaining municipality services during the crisis, assuring residents, “We will continue to serve our citizens from alternative locations.”
Services like civil registration, including marriage and birth certificates, will operate from nearby facilities, ensuring continuity for residents of the 12th Arrondissement, which is known for its high volume of civil registration activities.
The involvement of the Brigade de Sapeurs-Pompiers de Paris (BSPP) extended beyond firefighting. They activated specialized teams to manage and protect the building's cultural and historical assets, which include art pieces and important documents. Lieutenant Matthieu Lamouliatte reported, “We have extracted state civil registries and moved furnishings to safety,” and indicated the firefighters would remain on scene for some time after the flames were extinguished.
Community reaction has been strong, with many residents and local officials sharing their sadness over the loss of such symbolic heritage. Emmanuelle Pierre-Marie, the mayor of the 12th Arrondissement, said, “Seeing our Town Hall engulfed in flames will mark me for life.”
Around the world, the fire sparked memories of past disasters, with some comparing it to the catastrophic fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral, igniting discussions on the importance of protecting cultural heritage sites. Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, took to social media to express her concern, stating this fire serves as a reminder of the fragility of such revered structures.
Despite this devastating event, emergency crews and city officials expressed resolve to support the historical significance of the Town Hall as they work on recovery processes. The investigation will determine the fire's cause, and for now, the community stands united, committed to preserving their cherished institution.