The Montmedy 2025 strange coincidence fires

Between July 15 and August 12, 2025, two fires devastated historic buildings in Montmédy both of which have a shared past as former headquarters of the local gendarmerie.

The July 15, 2025, fire on Rue Neuve originated from a garbage container on the ground floor of a residential building that had previously housed the second gendarmerie in Montmédy. The flames caused substantial damage to the structure, necessitating the evacuation of all occupants, including a wheelchair user.

French and Belgian firefighters responded promptly, successfully containing the fire. However, the damage compromised the building’s electrical system, necessitating the temporary relocation of the residents.

Less than a month later, on August 12, 2025, at 5:30 PM, a second, more severe fire engulfed a historic building on Rue de Chiny. The structure, constructed in 1748 and originally serving as the first gendarmerie of Montmédy, had subsequently been converted into a private residence.

The fire spread rapidly, resulting in the complete destruction of the approximately 1,000-square-meter roof. The flames were visible from a considerable distance, prompting the intervention of over 50 firefighters from seven municipalities, including the Belgian town of Virton.

Despite the deployment of 15 fire engines and two ladder trucks, the roof collapsed entirely, causing severe damage to the interior.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported. As a precautionary measure, some adjacent homes were evacuated. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Montmédy, with a population of 2,400, holds great historical significance in northeastern France. Its fortified citadel, one of the largest in the region, stands as a testament to centuries of strategic military importance.

The historic centre of Montmédy revolves around the Ville Haute, which is defined by its narrow medieval streets, Renaissance bastions, and 17th- and 18th-century buildings. Many of these structures continue to serve as residential residences, while others are in a state of disrepair.

A Remarkable Coincidence

It is statistically improbable that two fires should have occurred within a few weeks, the only two historic buildings that once housed the local gendarmerie, in a town of Montmédy’s size.

While the first fire has been conclusively determined to be accidental, investigations into the second are ongoing. Regardless of the cause, these events underscore the vulnerability of the urban historic heritage and the paramount importance of robust fire prevention measures in historic buildings.

Montmédy continues to monitor the situation closely as the community mobilises to provide support to the affected residents and assess the extent of the damage to the local architectural heritage.