Annecy, France – A violent fire broke out Wednesday evening at the Parc des Glaisins business park in Annecy, Haute-Savoie, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Witness footage from the scene captured towering flames, thick black smoke, and at least one massive explosion, sending shockwaves through the industrial area.
The fire began around 5:50 p.m. at the Emrys company, which specializes in the production of gift and loyalty cards. Eyewitnesses immediately alerted emergency services after hearing explosions and spotting flames emerging from the building.
The Sdis 74 (Haute-Savoie fire and rescue services) confirmed that approximately 60 firefighters and 18 firefighting vehicles were deployed to combat the blaze. A mobile command post was established at the scene to coordinate operations, and medical personnel—doctors and nurses—were also mobilized to assist any responders affected by the intense heat.
According to initial reports, the fire is believed to have started on the roof, where construction work was underway at the time. The exact cause of the explosion and subsequent fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
Images released by Sdis 74 show the intensity of the fire, with fireballs and dense smoke billowing over the business park. Despite the scale and ferocity of the incident, no injuries have been reported.
Firefighters worked in scorching temperatures and managed to bring the blaze under control by approximately 8:00 p.m., nearly two hours after the first emergency calls.
Authorities have cordoned off the area, and safety inspections are expected to continue through the night. The Emrys facility has sustained significant damage, and the full extent of the impact on surrounding businesses is still being assessed.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.