Toulouse building fire injures six in illegally occupied squat

A violent fire broke out in a basement of a residential building on rue Louis Plana in Toulouse, resulting in six injuries. Emergency responders reported that heavy smoke forced some residents to jump from windows to escape, while others were rescued using large ladders.

The building, owned by Toulouse Métropole, has been illegally occupied since November 2024. This incident marks the third fire reported in the structure. Local authorities noted that the SDIS 31 had previously issued alarming reports regarding the building's dangerous conditions and occupancy status.

Toulouse city officials stated that the fire could have been prevented if a previous municipal evacuation order had not been suspended by an administrative court in July. The court had originally stayed the evacuation because occupants had undertaken work on the site. Following this latest incident, a new order has been issued to prohibit entry and habitation of the building, which has now been secured.