Lyon Engulfed in Burnt Odor as Chartreux High School Fire Persists
Lyon, April 3 – A strong and unsettling burnt odor has been reported by numerous residents across Lyon since Wednesday evening, April 1st, prompting widespread concern. The source of the persistent smell has been identified as an ongoing, large-scale fire at the Chartreux High School in the Croix-Rousse district of the 1st arrondissement. Despite continuous efforts by firefighters, the blaze, which began two days ago, is still not fully extinguished.
The smoke, initially thick and black, has now turned white, but the unpleasant smell continues to permeate the city. Residents have taken to social media to express their discomfort. One inhabitant described the odor as “disturbing,” while another from the 2nd arrondissement reported a persistent “scratchy throat” on Friday morning.
Firefighters Battle Stubborn Blaze at Historic School
The fire at Chartreux High School has caused extensive damage, with flames consuming the interior of an entire building. This historic monument, aged 200 years, has suffered significant structural damage, including the collapse of several floors on Thursday. Firefighters remain heavily mobilized, working tirelessly to extinguish the remaining hotspots.
The intervention is particularly challenging due to the significant “risk of collapse of the wing, which is still present.” On the night of Thursday to Friday, firefighters continued their mission to secure the site. Around 00:30, a third large ladder was deployed, alongside a team of “confined space specialists,” indicating the complexity and danger of the operation.
Widespread Impact Across Lyon and Beyond
The persistent burnt odor has spread widely across Lyon, carried by the winds. Residents in the 1st and Croix-Rousse districts are most affected, but the smell has also been reported in the neighboring 5th, 4th, 6th, and 9th arrondissements, as well as the Presqu’île. Some inhabitants in Part-Dieu (3rd arrondissement) and even Villeurbanne have also experienced the unpleasant odor since Wednesday.
As of Friday morning, residual and inaccessible hotspots continue to burn due to the structural instability of the building. Extinguishing operations are being carried out intermittently, with constant monitoring of the wing’s stability to ensure the safety of the personnel involved.
Authorities have not yet released information regarding the cause of the fire or the extent of the damage to the historic building. However, the prolonged nature of the incident and the ongoing efforts suggest a complex and challenging situation for emergency services.
The incident has highlighted the dedication of Lyon’s firefighters, who have been working around the clock to bring the situation under control and mitigate its impact on the city and its residents. Further updates are expected as the situation evolves and investigations into the cause of the fire commence.
