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Lille High-Rise Fire Destroys Nine Apartments in Wazemmes

Officials cite a likely accidental electrical origin pending the judicial inquiry.

Overview

  • Flames erupted on January 23 on the 10th floor of a 14-storey social housing tower in Lille’s Wazemmes district.
  • Nine apartments were destroyed and nine others were damaged by smoke, with about 200 residents evacuated and 18 households rehoused.
  • Emergency services mounted a major response, deploying 30 engines and three aerial ladders, with reports citing up to 80 firefighters on scene.
  • No fatalities were reported, and at least one resident was treated after the evacuation for shock.
  • Residents question the building’s condition and recall a 2016 fire, while the landlord had renovation work scheduled for the following week.