Fire Spreads at Les Grandes Alpes Hotel in Courchevel; 270 Evacuated
A significant fire broke out at the Les Grandes Alpes Hotel in Courchevel, Savoie, on January 27, around 7 PM. The incident led to a swift evacuation of approximately 270 individuals from the hotel and a nearby residence, revealing the severity of the situation. Fortunately, no guests or staff at the hotel sustained serious injuries.
Overview of the Incident
The fire originated in the roof of the prestigious five-star hotel, which is well-known in the ski resort. Firefighters worked tirelessly through the night, but the flames rapidly spread to the adjacent residence, causing further alarm.
Emergency Response
- Time of incident: January 27 at 7 PM
- Total evacuees: 270 people from the hotel and surrounding areas
- Firefighters deployed: 115 firefighters with 44 fire engines
- Reported injuries: Four firefighters sustained minor injuries
Challenges Faced by Firefighters
Emergency responders encountered numerous obstacles during the firefighting efforts. According to Bruno Charlot, the sub-prefect of Albertville, the complex structure of the roof and a thick layer of snow hampered their abilities. Firefighters could only access the flames by dismantling the roof or approaching from below.
Evacuation Details
Among the evacuees, about 50 were guests at Les Grandes Alpes Hotel. The remaining individuals included patrons and staff from the nearby Hôtel Lana, which was under threat due to the encroaching fire. The solidarity shown by the local community was commendable, as evacuated individuals found shelter in nearby establishments.
Current Status and Future Actions
The firefighting operation is expected to take several hours more, with ongoing efforts to prevent additional spread to nearby hotels and luxury chalets. Once the fire is extinguished, a comprehensive security assessment of the affected areas will follow to ensure everyone’s safety.
The situation has underscored the challenges posed by fires in such densely packed luxury accommodations, where roofs can intertwine and create severe risks. Local authorities continue to prioritize safety and manage the ongoing emergency response.
