A significant fire broke out Wednesday at the Hotel Bristol, a luxury five-star hotel in Paris located just steps from the Élysée Palace, prompting the evacuation of 400 people. The incident underscores the vulnerability of even high-security areas to unexpected emergencies.
According to early reports, the fire originated in the kitchens in the hotel’s basement around 11:00 a.m. Local time. Firefighters responded quickly to the scene on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
Hotel management confirmed that all employees and guests were evacuated following established procedures. “Everything is under control,” a hotel spokesperson stated.
Three people sustained minor injuries, with one individual receiving medical attention from paramedics who arrived at the hotel, officials said.
The Hotel Bristol, owned by the German multinational Oetker, is a popular destination for celebrities visiting Paris. Authorities are asking people to avoid the area as emergency services continue to work. Le Figaro reported that approximately one hundred firefighters were dispatched to the scene.
While flames appeared to be extinguished as of Wednesday afternoon, the extent of the damage remains unclear. Le Parisien noted that smoke was initially visible, prompting precautionary measures.
The hotel stated that a more detailed assessment of the situation and further information would be released as soon as possible. Il Sole 24 Ore initially reported the fire as “rather major.”
