A massive fire erupted at the Bicolline medieval village in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, Quebec, on April 25, 2026, destroying twenty-two buildings during the Ducasse event. Remarkably, despite the chaos, emergency services reported no injuries among the 800 participants present.
The fire ignited around 10:43 p.m., prompting an urgent response from local firefighters. However, they faced significant challenges due to a lack of local water infrastructure. Firefighters had to shuttle water from a nearby river using eight or nine tankers. This delay exacerbated the situation and made it harder to contain the flames.
Witnesses described hearing explosions as the fire spread through the wooden structures of the Duché de Bicolline. The dense layout of the site—home to a total of 260 buildings—has long raised concerns about fire safety. As Chief Dave Carrier noted, “C’était à prévoir que le jour où il y aurait un incendie, il y aurait plus qu’un bâtiment d’impliqué.” The wooden construction made it especially vulnerable to such disasters.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to wet surrounding buildings, striving to prevent flames from jumping to adjacent structures. Their initial efforts were hampered when first deployed hoses burned upon contact with the intense heat. Still, their quick actions helped protect other parts of the village that serve as essential shelters for participants engaged in live-action role-playing activities.
The aftermath of this incident has left many in shock. Olivier Renard from the Bicolline organization remarked, “Pour les joueurs, ça va être un deuil.” This sentiment reflects not only a loss of property but also a deep emotional connection to a space where countless stories and friendships have been forged.
As community members begin to assess damage and plan recovery efforts, officials have scheduled a meeting on Sunday to discuss adjustments to their annual schedule in light of this disaster. The organization aims to rebuild and restore what has been lost while prioritizing safety measures for future events.
This incident highlights critical issues surrounding emergency response and fire safety in places designed for immersive experiences like LARPing. The wooden structures may embody a nostalgic charm but also pose significant risks that must be addressed moving forward—especially as communities gather in these unique settings.
