On Wednesday around 4 p.m., considerable smoke rose above the Le Ranch restaurant, rue de Plombières in Fougerolles-Saint-Valbert, alerting the public. Significant firefighting resources were deployed with an initial quick response from Fougerolles firefighters preventing the basement fire from spreading.
To handle any eventuality, they were joined by their colleagues from Saint-Loup-sur-Semouse and Luxeuil-les-Bains, but also by a vehicle for lighting, ventilation and respiratory assistance from Vesoul. The unit commanded by Lieutenant Villedieu, who came from Vesoul, had about 25 firefighters. When the flames were extinguished, it was necessary to use means of mechanical ventilation of the premises to expel the smoke.
There were no injuries, but the fumes caused damage in the basement and on the ground floor. The restaurant’s activity will therefore probably be affected for a few days. The first floor consists of unoccupied apartments.
The Saint-Loup gendarmerie, present at the scene, is in charge of the investigation. The causes of the fire had not yet been identified on Wednesday.