An investigation has been launched after a series of fires broke out in the city center of Clermont-Ferrand. During the night of Tuesday to Wednesday, firefighters responded to at least six separate fires. Authorities believe the fires were not accidental but were set intentionally. The incidents occurred between Tuesday at 11:50 PM and Wednesday at 12:46 AM, all within a small area known as the Blatin neighborhood, which lies at the edge of Clermont-Ferrand and the nearby town of Chamalières in the Puy-de-Dôme department. No one was injured, but 12 people had to be evacuated from a building affected by one of the fires. They were helped out through windows by emergency responders. The fires required the involvement of about fifty firefighters and a dozen rescue vehicles. The first two fires affected waste containers and bins located near the entrance of a building in two neighboring streets. The third fire was more severe, completely destroying an unoccupied house. Shortly after midnight, emergency services were called to another fire, which was located about 100 meters from the previous one. This fire started in a stairwell of an apartment building, prompting firefighters to use a large ladder to evacuate the 12 residents through a window. The final fire of the night occurred at 12:46 AM and affected another waste container. The pattern of the fires, their close proximity to each other, and the fact that they all happened in a short time frame have raised concerns among local authorities. The investigation is expected to focus on determining whether the fires were linked and whether any individuals are responsible. The Blatin neighborhood, which is a residential area, has been left on high alert as authorities work to uncover the cause and prevent any further incidents.