Burning car triggers Nantes fire, destroys Roma caravans and 10 hectares, no casualties

Timeline of the fire

A car fire around 17:15 on Monday 20 July near Chemin du Moulin des Marais, east Nantes, quickly spread to caravans occupied by Roma travelers. Within hours, the flames had consumed 10 hectares of vegetation and precarious dwellings, sending a plume of black smoke visible across the city. Two camps were entirely destroyed, and some 70 people lost their caravans, according to local media quoting Ouest-France. The fire was eventually contained at 22:30, after which the immediate danger subsided.

Firefighting and containment

Nearly 150 firefighters with around 50 engines, along with police, gendarmes and CRS officers, were deployed to the scene. The prefecture said the fire was fanned by wind, complicating operations, but it was declared fixed after several hours. No casualties were reported as of Monday evening.

At this stage, I cannot give a victim toll, we have no information in that direction.

Evacuations and shelter

Around 50 houses in the neighboring Saint-Menard quarter were evacuated preventively, and the entire traveler camp was cleared. Residents of the evacuated houses were authorized to return home from 22:30. Those who had lived in the destroyed shanties and caravans were taken to a gymnasium arranged by the city as temporary shelter.

We are trying to find solutions, gyms to shelter tonight and the following nights.

Aftermath and disruptions

The fire disrupted the adjacent SNCF rail line, which was interrupted during the operation but gradually returned to normal. By late evening, crews remained on site to secure the area and guard against possible flare-ups.

Wider context

The Nantes fire came one day after another wildfire in Trignac, also in Loire-Atlantique, which burned 20 hectares, forced the evacuation of 92 homes, and destroyed four houses, one campervan and three cars. No injuries were reported there either.