A fire broke out aboard the French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle while the vessel was undergoing maintenance at the naval base in Toulon.
The fire started in a technical compartment located near the aircraft hangar. The crew immediately began firefighting efforts, and naval base fire crews later joined the response.
The blaze was brought under control and fully extinguished in around one hour and fifteen minutes.
According to preliminary information, the fire may have been caused by metal-cutting work using a gas torch. Emergency teams continued inspecting the affected area after the fire was extinguished, with support from naval firefighters.
No injuries were reported, and the carrier’s nuclear propulsion systems were not affected.
At the time of the incident, Charles de Gaulle was alongside in its home port for scheduled maintenance, which has been underway since late August and is expected to continue until early December.
Because the vessel is currently in maintenance, no aircraft were present in the hangar at the time of the fire.
Charles de Gaulle is the only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the French Navy and the flagship of the French fleet. The vessel entered service in 2001.
The aircraft carrier has a displacement of around 42,000 tonnes, is 261 metres long and can carry up to 40 aircraft, including Rafale M fighter jets.
France is already preparing a replacement for Charles de Gaulle. The future nuclear-powered aircraft carrier France Libre is being developed under the PA-NG programme. Construction is expected to begin around 2031, with entry into service planned for approximately 2038.
The cause and circumstances of the fire remain under investigation.
