A fire broke out at the François Rabelais middle school in Metz on the evening of Friday, October 2, amid widespread student demonstrations that have been taking place across France for the past week, according to concordant sources confirmed by ICI Lorraine, franceinfo, and Agence Radio France on Saturday.
Fire Started in Staff Vehicles
According to a police source cited by Agence Radio France, the fire originated in vehicles belonging to school staff members that were parked near the school. The flames subsequently spread to one of the school’s buildings.
Approximately ten fire engines were deployed to extinguish the blaze, which broke out around 10:30 p.m., according to information from ICI Lorraine. The fire was brought under control shortly afterward. The main building was not affected, and no injuries were reported.
Investigation Underway
“The investigation will determine the exact circumstances” of the fire, said Agathe Foucault, police commissioner and spokesperson for the national police, speaking on franceinfo Saturday morning. According to a police source, no arrests have been made at this stage.
Mayor Alleges Deliberate Arson
Speaking on franceinfo, Metz Mayor François Grosdidier provided details of the events. According to him, “arsonists burned two vehicles belonging to the school’s caretaker.” He added that “the fire spread to the covered courtyard and the restrooms of the establishment.”
He emphasized that electricity must be restored and restroom facilities must be available before the school can be considered for reopening, suggesting the possibility of installing temporary construction-site toilets.
“This was a deliberate attempt to set fire to a school, following an attempted arson [Thursday] at the vocational high school in Montigny-lès-Metz, in our metropolitan area,” the mayor said, denouncing what he described as “absolutely systematic vandalism to support demands that are very vague but whose ideological undertones are evident, carried out by small fanatical groups.”
Context of National Student Mobilization
The fire comes as significant student protests have been taking place throughout the country for a week. The mobilization has seen high schools blocked and demonstrations held in various cities, with students voicing concerns over educational policies and demanding meetings with government officials.
