Fire Destroys Historic House Near Annecy, France; Neighbouring Homes Saved

A historic house in Veyrier-du-Lac, near Annecy, France, was destroyed by fire on Wednesday, despite an operation involving 31 firefighters.

Emergency crews were called to the property on Route de Menthon at around 5 p.m. They arrived to find its timber-and-thatch roof engulfed in flames.

Firefighters deployed three fire engines and five water jets. The house was completely destroyed, but crews prevented the flames from spreading to two neighbouring homes.

The property, used as a second home, was unoccupied. No residents or firefighters were injured.

An investigation has been opened to establish the circumstances of the fire.