A fast-moving brush fire broke out along the seafront in Cap-d’Ail on Friday evening, prompting emergency services from both Monaco and France to request the suspension of rail traffic as firefighters battled the flames in difficult conditions…
The fire ignited shortly before 9pm on the coastal path between the Customs Point and Cap Rognoso, an area bordered by railway infrastructure and exposed to strong winds.
Fanned by gusts and challenging access, the blaze spread across an estimated 2,000 square metres of vegetation, requiring a coordinated response from Monaco’s Fire Brigade and the Alpes-Maritimes SDIS. Around twenty firefighters were deployed on the ground to contain the fire and prevent it from threatening nearby transport corridors and urban areas.
As a precaution, train movements were temporarily halted to protect emergency crews operating close to the tracks. Smoke also travelled through the rail tunnel, leading to the evacuation of around 50 people from Monaco–Monte-Carlo station. By approximately 10pm, firefighters reported that the situation was under control, with French services assuming operational command later in the evening.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the affected area and to follow official safety instructions while crews continue monitoring the site for any risk of flare-ups.
Photo by Matt Howard
