Paris apartment fire in Belleville causes evacuations and minor injuries

A major fire broke out late Tuesday night in an apartment located on the top floor of a building on rue des Couronnes in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, specifically in the Belleville/Ménilmontant area. The blaze produced a thick plume of black smoke visible across the capital.

The Paris Fire Brigade deployed approximately 90 firefighters and 23 vehicles to combat the flames. While the fire was eventually brought under control, three people sustained minor injuries and were transported to a hospital. About 100 residents were evacuated from the building as a precaution against toxic smoke.

Witnesses reported hearing sounds resembling explosions during the incident. Some reports indicate that fireworks were being stored in the apartment, intended for an upcoming wedding, and that several mortars exploded during the fire. An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the blaze and assess the total damage to the building.