TL:DR – Five-Star Alps Resort Evacuates Tourists Amidst Devastating Fire | News World
- A fire broke out at the five-star Grandes Alpes hotel in Courchevel, damaging the building.
- Approximately 300 people were evacuated from the hotel and adjacent Lana Hotel.
- Over 100 firefighters are working to control the blaze, complicated by the building’s structure.
- Some firefighters sustained minor injuries; an investigation into the fire’s cause is underway.
- Courchevel 1850 is known for its high-profile guests and luxury accommodations.
Tourists evacuated after fire rips through five star resort in the Alps | News World
A fire rages at the Denali restaurant located next to the five-star Grandes Alpes hotel in the upscale French Alpine ski resort of Courchevel (Picture: AFP)
Fire at a Five-Star Hotel
A five-star hotel where rooms go for up to £11,000 a night has been damaged in a fire. The fire broke out at the Grandes Alpes hotel in Courchevel 1850 at around 7pm yesterday. Around 100 people had to be evacuated from the building to a municipal hall along with another 200 people who had been staying at the neighbouring Lana Hotel.
An emergency services spokesman said the fire was still being contained this morning after it spread quickly through woodwork.
Rapid Spread of Flames
Bruno Charlot, the sub-prefect in nearby Albertville, said: “The Grandes Alpes guests were quickly relocated to other hotels in the resort. The fire spread considerably overnight, despite the firefighters’ efforts. Their work is complicated by the roof’s structure.”
Firefighters’ Ongoing Struggles
More than a hundred firefighters were still working on January 28 morning to bring under control the violent fire (Picture: AFP). “It’s very difficult to reach the flames that are running under a roof made of slate and sheet metal,” said a spokesman.
“It requires removing the stones and sawing through the sheets before anyone can even access the fire. A thick layer of snow on the roof only makes matters worse. It will be hours before the fire is extinguished.”
Some of the firefighters suffered minor injuries and an investigation is underway. The hotel is comprised of nine apartments of varying sizes and provides a butler service, Michelin-starred restaurants, a swimming pool, and sauna.
Courchevel 1850 is one of the most exclusive resorts in the Alps, attracting the likes of the Beckhams, Robbie Williams, and Ian Botham.
A History of High-Profile Guests
It has also hosted the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who, in 2016, arrived on a private jet believed to have been provided by the Duke of Westminster.
Prince William skis down a boarder cross ski run in the French Ski Resort of Courchevel in 2010 (Picture: EU NEWS)
Comparative Incidents in Alpine Resorts
The latest Alpine ski resort fire follows the devastating blaze in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year’s Day, when 40 people died and 116 were severely burned at the Constellation bar in the town.
The bar’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are currently under criminal investigation for manslaughter by negligence, following claims that sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited soundproofing foam in the basement ceiling. The Morretis, who are French, deny any wrongdoing, as the investigation continues.