PARIS: A massive fire erupted on Monday in the northern part of Paris, near a newly built court complex. The blaze, which broke out in one of the city’s largest recycling plants, sent thick black smoke billowing into the sky, visible across various parts of the French capital. Firefighters were immediately called to the scene, with around 60 fire trucks and 200 firefighters dispatched to control the situation. Authorities quickly issued a warning for the public to stay clear of the area to allow emergency services to work unhindered.
The fire caused significant damage, with flames lighting up the night sky. Geoffrey Boulard, the mayor of the 17th arrondissement, which was the worst affected, reported that the building was “completely gutted and destroyed.” He explained that the fire originated underground and spread rapidly through the structure, forcing a swift evacuation of all personnel inside. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the extent of the damage to the building and the surrounding area was severe.
The Syctom recycling plant, which started operations in 2019, serves nearly a million residents in Paris by processing household waste. The facility’s location, adjacent to the main court complex, added an extra layer of concern due to the potential for damage to nearby infrastructure. Firefighters worked tirelessly through the night, battling the intense flames while navigating the hazardous conditions. The fire’s proximity to the central ring road also led to the temporary closure of parts of the route to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles.
Local authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, although no official statement has yet been issued regarding the specific factors that triggered the blaze. The fire has highlighted ongoing challenges in urban firefighting, particularly in areas with high industrial activity. The authorities have assured the public that safety measures will be reviewed to prevent future incidents of this magnitude.
