An important fire destroyed a disused building around 8 PM on Sunday evening, located in Place de la Brigue in Nice. The fire was quickly brought under control, resulting in no casualties but causing significant damage and major train delays. The municipality announced that it had filed a complaint and is demanding state measures to put an end to squatting.
Yesterday, Sunday, September 7, early in the evening, massive flames rose in the Saint-Roch district of Nice. The affected building, which had been disused for years, had been subject to several illegal occupations. The last occupants had been evicted a few days earlier by the police.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the building completely engulfed. Seventeen firefighters and six vehicles were mobilized. The fire was contained by around 9 PM. Firefighters remained on site part of the night to ensure that no one was inside. No casualties were reported.
The disaster ravaged the 500 m² building, which was built over two levels. Part of the flooring collapsed. Several cars parked nearby melted due to the heat, as well as a streetlight.
Located very close to a railway line, the fire affected train traffic. SNCF reported delays and cancellations of trains between Ventimiglia and Les Arcs from Sunday evening onwards. Traffic gradually resumed this Monday afternoon, but disruptions were still noted. For those needing to take the train, you can check new schedules here. Many residents watched the fire from their balconies and captured the moment on social media.
A complaint filed and criticisms of squats
The city of Nice announced that a complaint has been filed to understand the origin of the disaster. They want to shed full light on the situation and establish accountability.
The mayor, Christian Estrosi, reacted on social media, recalling the risks associated with squats. According to him, the fire “could have been much worse and cost lives by spreading to neighboring buildings.”
Anthony Borré, the first deputy mayor, confirmed that the building was to be demolished in the coming weeks. He noted that municipal services had intervened several times to ensure the site was indeed vacant.
The Nice municipality is now asking the prefect of Alpes-Maritimes to take action to put an end to squatting in the commune. They emphasize that the building had been placed under an access prohibition order since 2023.
An investigation to determine the causes
Today, Monday, September 8, smoke was still rising from the debris. Firefighters and the judicial police must establish whether the illegal occupation of the building played a role in the outbreak of the fire. “It was a disused building, of mixed structure, in concrete and wood, and it quickly caught fire as it was ablaze when the first responders arrived,” said Lieutenant Xavier Bossi from SDIS of Alpes-Maritimes.
Investigators are now trying to determine if the fire was accidental or intentional in origin. The city is awaiting the conclusions of the investigation to decide on the next steps regarding this matter.
No consequences for neighborhood residents
Despite the severity of the incident, no specific restrictions have been imposed on the residents. The prefecture and the ARS did not deem it necessary to limit the opening of schools or impose specific measures.
On Monday morning, daily life resumed in the Saint-Roch district, though traces of the fire remained visible. Several residents visited the site to assess the damage.
The firefighters and the city of Nice remind people that the area remains fragile. Access to the building is prohibited, and a security perimeter has been maintained.
