Fire broke out in the historic mairie building at around 12.45pm on Thursday and quickly spread to the roof, which was seen by witnesses to be well ablaze.
Photo d'un contact depuis le musée-château d'Annecy.#annecy #mairie pic.twitter.com/RHzz9o1A1M
— Samuel Dixneuf (@Heraclite) November 14, 2019
All staff were safely evacuated from the building when the fire, which is believed to have started in an electric circuit box, broke out.
Le toit de la mairie d'Annecy en feu depuis plusieurs heures. #Annecy pic.twitter.com/8o3AQWplga
— Elie Abergel (@Elie_Abergel) November 14, 2019
The school and nursery on the nearby quai Jules Philippe were also evacuated and the children taken to a safe location.
#France De grands panaches de fumée s'élèvent de la toiture de l'hôtel de ville d'#Annecy qui est actuellement en proie à un violent incendie.
Les pompiers sont mobilisés #Savoie pic.twitter.com/gzjFU8Rf3j— Rebecca Rambar (@RebeccaRambar) November 14, 2019
There were no reported injuries and fire crews say the blaze is not believed to be deliberate.
Annecy, known as 'the pearl of the Alps' is a popular holiday destination year-round for its beautiful Medieval buildings and large lake, as well as nearby ski resorts.
[REVUE DE PRESSE] Vidéo. Un violent incendie s'est déclenché à la mairie d'Annecy, le toit en proie aux flammes https://t.co/gYZG8uu3OL | https://t.co/t5XLqb08JA pic.twitter.com/urQFwoepOm
— Zap'news (@W38777Y) November 14, 2019
About five or so years ago there was a major string of arson in Annecy.
Now that seems to be happening in Grenoble.