On December 24, 2024, a fire broke out in the elevator shaft of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, evacuating approximately 1,200 visitors. The incident occurred around 10:30 AM when an overheating cable ignited flames between the first and second floors.
The fire was promptly detected, and emergency services responded swiftly. Firefighters worked diligently to contain the blaze, which was extinguished by midday. No injuries were reported, and all visitors were safely evacuated.
During the evacuation, the Eiffel Tower was temporarily closed to the public. Visitors were escorted down the structure, and the area was secured to ensure safety. Later in the day, the landmark, which attracts between 15,000 and 25,000 visitors daily, resumed operations, with access gradually restored to the second floor.
The Société d’Exploitation de la Tour Eiffel (SETE), responsible for the tower’s management, confirmed that the incident was caused by a short circuit in the elevator’s power supply system, triggering the fire alarm. The SETE emphasized that no visitors were in danger due to the incident. Electrical maintenance services and firefighters are collaborating to identify the source of the fault.
This incident reminds us of the importance of rigorous safety protocols, especially in iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. The 2019 fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris underscores the potential risks associated with historic structures. The swift response to the Eiffel Tower fire highlights the effectiveness of emergency preparedness and the commitment to visitor safety.