A massive fire at the Bicolline medieval village—known for its immersive live-action role-playing events—destroyed twenty-two buildings during the Ducasse event on April 25, 2026. Remarkably, despite the chaos, no injuries were reported among the 800 participants present.
The fire erupted around 10:43 p.m., prompting emergency services to respond swiftly. However, firefighters encountered significant challenges due to a lack of local water infrastructure. They required eight or nine tankers to shuttle water from a nearby river, a logistical nightmare in the face of such an intense blaze.
Witnesses reported hearing explosions as flames engulfed the wooden structures, a primary safety concern given the village’s dense layout of 260 buildings. Chief Dave Carrier suggested that the fire likely had a human cause—a sobering reminder of how quickly things can escalate in such settings.
The first fire hoses deployed on-site burned upon contact with the extreme heat levels. Firefighters worked tirelessly to wet nearby buildings, striving to prevent the flames from jumping to adjacent structures. This immediate emergency response was crucial in mitigating further damage.
As news spread, reactions from community leaders emerged. The Bicolline organization described it as “a painful awakening this morning.” Olivier Renard expressed sorrow for players, stating, “Pour les joueurs, ça va être un deuil.” The sentiment reflects not just loss of property but also a disruption of community spirit and tradition.
In light of this disaster, the organization plans to meet soon to adjust its annual schedule and discuss recovery efforts. These chalets serve not only as venues for live-action games but also as shelters for participants—a dual purpose that adds weight to their loss.
This incident raises important questions about fire safety within such medieval villages. With wooden construction being a longstanding concern, officials will likely reassess safety protocols and emergency preparedness strategies moving forward.
As they begin the recovery process, one thing is certain: the Duché de Bicolline community will rally together. Their resilience will be tested—but so will their commitment to preserving what makes their medieval village unique.
