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Chamonix ablaze again!

featured in News & reviews Author Ellie Mahoney, Chamonix Editor Updated

Monday evening saw yet another dramatic fire break out in Chamonix, this time in a residential block to the north of the centre. Around 9.30pm there was a loud explosion in Residence Plein Sud (Ave de la Plage) as what was thought to be a bottle of gas exploded, blasting debris over 50m towards the River Arve. A witness to the explosion said they saw huge flames emerging from the broken windows that went on to engulf the entire north-eastern section of the block in less than 15 minutes.

The Pompiers were swiftly on the scene with hoses and ladders and began battling the blaze. They carried out two rescue missions via the main stairway and through a 4th floor window in an attempt to rescue an elderly resident trapped in the bedroom of her home (circled in photo). After successfully reaching the woman, the firemen beat a slow retreat, helping her down the stairs, not risking using the buildings lift. Another woman tearfully explained that her dog was still trapped in her apartment which was completely ravaged by flames but unfortunately it was too late to rescue him.

Although the building (comprising 45 apartments) was evacuated, nine residents were taken to Chamonix Hospital suffering from smoke and carbon monoxide inhalation. The fire was finally brought under control at 6am Tuesday morning.

Subsequent investigations have determined that the cause of the fire was a duvet that had draped slightly over a halogen lamp. It caught fire while the owner was in the shower who, on discovery of the blaze, was already too late to contain it without the intervention of the Pompiers.

Photo credit: Le Dauphine