Nancy Police Headquarters Hit by Fire, Operations Disrupted
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A fire at the Nancy police headquarters on Sunday, October 26, caused significant disruption to operations, temporarily cutting off landline telephone service but leaving the emergency line “17” operational. The incident, which originated in the basement of the building located at 38, boulevard Lobau, prompted the evacuation of approximately forty personnel and the relocation of detainees.
Electrical Fire Disrupts Communications
The fire, believed to be of electrical origin, broke out around noon, releasing a substantial amount of smoke and a strong odor of burning plastic. This forced the immediate evacuation of civil servants working at the headquarters. While the switchboard became unreachable, authorities confirmed that the crucial police emergency number, “17,” remained functional through the information and command center (CIC).
Detainee Relocation and Fire Response
Around fifteen individuals being held in police custody were moved from the cells under motorcycle escort to other facilities in Lunéville and Dombasle. Fortunately, officials confirmed no injuries were reported as a result of the incident. Seventeen firefighters, under the command of Captain Norbert Bresson, swiftly contained the blaze using a single hose. Following containment, efforts focused on thoroughly ventilating the building and conducting a comprehensive reconnaissance of all offices.
Operational Adjustments and Public Guidance
Commissioner Maurice Alibert, the deputy interdepartmental director, along with other officers, coordinated the response with both the fire department and magistrates from the Nancy public prosecutor’s office, particularly regarding the legal implications for those in custody. The fire also impacted the headquarters’ computer systems, forcing the legal action group – described as the “real beating heart” of the police headquarters – to temporarily relocate to a sector police station on rue Saint-Léon in Nancy.
The public was advised to visit the relocated station or utilize other police stations or even a local gendarmerie for assistance. As of Sunday evening, the police headquarters continued to operate in a degraded mode, with technicians and officials working diligently to restore full operational capacity as quickly as possible.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the importance of robust contingency plans to ensure public safety and maintain essential services.
