Nantes: Fire Rages in Roma Camp, Forcing Evacuations and Burning 10 Hectares

A significant fire erupted Monday evening in the Doulon-Bottière district of Nantes, France, engulfing approximately ten hectares of land and destroying informal dwellings, vegetation, and vehicles. The blaze prompted a massive emergency response, with nearly 150 firefighters and around 50 emergency vehicles deployed to the scene.

The fire reportedly started shortly after 5 p.m. on Chemin du Moulin des Marais. Initial reports suggest it may have begun with a barbecue, spreading to a vehicle before engulfing caravans occupied by members of the Roma community. Two camps were completely destroyed, according to local media.

Firefighters are still working to contain the fire, which has been fanned by the wind and is moving towards a nearby residential area. As a precautionary measure, about fifty homes have been evacuated, and the neighborhood has been cordoned off by police. The sub-prefect, Tom Follet, stated that there were no immediate reports of casualties, though explosions from gas cylinders or tires complicated the firefighting efforts.

Authorities are actively searching for emergency accommodation for the displaced residents. They are also urging the public to avoid the area to allow emergency services to operate effectively. The full extent of the damage and the number of people affected are still being assessed.

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At this stage, I cannot provide a victim count; we have no information in that regard.