Major Fire in Brest Apartment Building on November 16 Leaves Several Hospitalized

In the early hours of November 16, 2025, a significant fire broke out in the basement of an apartment building located at 5 rue de Penthièvre in Brest, causing a large plume of smoke visible from afar. The blaze began around 3 AM and prompted an immediate emergency response. According to official information from Finistère governmental sources, approximately 70 firefighters, 27 fire engines, and multiple emergency vehicles were deployed to combat the fire and assist victims.

The fire was quickly brought under control, with the Deputy Prefect of Châteaulin coordinating on-site operations alongside local officials. Emergency services evacuated around ten families from the building and provided medical attention to seven people hospitalized as a result of the incident. Among the injured, two individuals—a mother and her daughter—were in critical condition and received urgent care from the SAMU (Service d'aide médicale urgente).

Authorities have continued evaluating the building, focusing particularly on the ventilation systems in the attic and stairwells where smoke had spread. Meanwhile, emergency shelter was arranged by the city of Brest, which opened the nearby Langevin-Freinet nursery school to provide temporary refuge for displaced residents. Relocation efforts are currently underway to assist those affected.

The fire emergency involved coordination between multiple services including SDIS 29 (Departmental Fire and Rescue Service), the local police (DIPN), hospital services, and municipal agents to ensure public safety and prompt victim assistance. The area around the building was secured by police forces while firefighting and rescue operations progressed.

This incident highlights the swift and coordinated emergency response efforts in Brest, aiming to limit harm and support those impacted by the fire.