Condom – 06/13/2026: On the night of June 13, 2026, a fire broke out in the media library of Condom, spreading to the adjacent cloister of Saint-Pierre Cathedral. The fire was reported around 9:30 PM, quickly spreading to the roof structure of the media library. The flames reached heights of up to six meters and immediately threatened the historic cloister.
Firefighters who arrived promptly began extinguishing efforts immediately. In total, 50 firefighters from neighboring communities, along with support units equipped with turntable ladders and drones, were deployed. Thanks to their quick and coordinated response, the fire was brought under control after about two hours. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Despite the firefighters’ successful intervention, the damage is significant. The affected part of the cloister housed valuable historical archives of the city, including over 3,000 books, some dating back to the 16th century. These valuable collections were destroyed or severely damaged by the fire.
The mayor of Condom, Jean-François Sabathier, expressed his shock over the loss of this cultural heritage. He emphasized the importance of the preserved historical documents for the identity and history of the city. Together with the firefighters and other helpers, he tried to save as many items as possible.
The exact cause of the fire is still unclear and is being investigated by the responsible authorities. It is suspected that the fire began in the media library and quickly spread to the adjacent cloister. Investigations are ongoing to determine the precise cause.
The city administration of Condom has already taken initial measures to assess the damage and plan the restoration of the damaged archives. In addition, fundraising campaigns are being initiated to support the restoration of the cultural heritage. The solidarity of the population and surrounding communities is overwhelming, and every effort is being made to minimize the loss and preserve Condom’s historic heritage.
This incident has once again highlighted the importance of fire protection in historic buildings. It is expected that enhanced safety measures will be implemented in the future to prevent such disasters and protect cultural heritage for future generations.
Investigations into the cause of the fire continue, and the city administration is working closely with the responsible authorities to fully clarify the incident and prevent further damage. The restoration of Condom’s historic heritage will be given the highest priority to preserve the city’s cultural identity.
Sources
- La Dépêche