A fire broke out near the second level of the Eiffel Tower on October 22, 2023, leading to immediate emergency evacuations and significant disruption. Firefighters responded swiftly to the scene, with multiple units dispatched to tackle the blaze. According to a spokesperson for the Paris Fire Brigade, the fire was reported shortly after 3 PM local time and was under control within hours. No injuries were reported as the tower was closed to the public at the time of the incident.
A Reuters witness on the scene described seeing flames and smoke billowing from the iconic structure, causing onlookers to gasp and panic. “It was terrifying to see such a symbol of Paris engulfed in flames, even if it was just a small fire,” said Marie Dupont, a tourist from Lyon. The tower had been undergoing maintenance work, which authorities believe may have contributed to the incident.
French authorities have vowed to carry out a full investigation to ascertain the cause of the blaze and ensure the safety of both visitors and the structure. The Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, attracts millions of visitors each year. It has previously been closed for safety inspections and maintenance, but never has it faced such an emergency so close to its core attractions.
A statement from the Eiffel Tower’s management confirmed that the structure remained secure, and they thanked the fire crews for their rapid response. “We are grateful for the quick action of the firefighters, which prevented further damage,” said Marie-Claire Lefevre, the spokesperson for the Eiffel Tower’s management.
As of now, the Eiffel Tower is expected to remain closed for the day while authorities conduct their examinations and repairs as necessary. Travel and tourism in the area have been impacted but local officials are working to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
