A massive fire erupted at the Bicolline medieval village late on April 25, 2026. The blaze destroyed twenty-two buildings during the Ducasse event. Approximately 800 participants were present for this live-action role-playing gathering.
Emergency services received the first call at 10:43 p.m. Firefighters faced significant challenges due to inadequate local water infrastructure. They required eight or nine tankers to transport water from a nearby river.
Despite the chaos, officials reported no injuries among the participants. This is particularly remarkable given the size of the crowd and the intensity of the flames.
The cause of the fire has not been disclosed, although Chief Carrier indicated it likely stemmed from human activity. Explosions were heard as firefighters battled the inferno, which posed a threat to nearby structures.
The wooden construction and dense layout of Bicolline’s 260 buildings have long raised fire safety concerns. The first hoses deployed ignited upon contact with the high heat levels, further complicating emergency response efforts.
As firefighters worked tirelessly to protect adjacent buildings, community leaders began discussing recovery plans. The organization plans to convene on Sunday to adjust its annual schedule in light of this disaster.
Bicolline representative Olivier Renard expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “For players, this will be a mourning period,” he stated. The damaged chalets are crucial for both gameplay and providing shelter for participants.
This tragic incident highlights ongoing discussions about fire safety in such densely packed environments. Community recovery efforts will focus on rebuilding and ensuring safety measures are strengthened moving forward.