A fire broke out on Thursday morning at Lycée Nelson-Mandela in Nantes, France, on October 1, 2026, in the wake of a student protest and blockades at several schools in the country.
The school, on the Île de Nantes, was affected by a major fire that damaged its entrance and facade. Part of the boarding facilities were also damaged. Firefighters were called to the site at 8:30 a.m., local time.
Fire Was Reported During Student Mobilisation
The incident took place during a wider mobilisation in France of high schools. Staff issues have led to protests over staffing shortages, teachers' absence in schools and conditions in schools.
As part of the mobilisation, there were blockades at schools in Nantes and other French cities.
However, the circumstances of the fire at Nelson-Mandela High School were still being investigated. RTL reported that the deputy principal of the school, Gaëlle Cordier, said in an interview with AFP that the fire appeared to have been voluntary, but she did not identify who could have started it or why.
Parts of School Building Damaged
In French media reports, the fire had caused significant damage to the entrance and facade of the school. The fire protection system was also damaged, as was part of the boarding section.
Actu17 reported that several classrooms were damaged and that firefighters were deployed from around 8:30 a.m. A massive plume of black smoke could be seen from parts of Nantes.
The school was evacuated, and firefighters worked to put the fire out.
Fire engulfs Nelson Mandela High School in Nantes, France, amidst student protests. pic.twitter.com/JYlzbuoDhb
— خليفة الشروقي 🇧🇭 (@khalifaalshrogi) October 1, 2026
Exact Cause Still Unclear
While school administration characterized the fire as ‘clearly deliberate’, authorities did not identify the cause of the incident until later reports.
Some students said rubbish bins were set on fire outside the school, and flames spread toward the building. Other witnesses reported hearing an explosion and seeing fireworks or projectiles in the vicinity. But they were witness accounts and had not established at the time of the reporting who was responsible.
School To Remain Closed
The damage is expected to disrupt classes at the Nantes school. RTL reported that the establishment would remain closed for several weeks following the fire.
The incident has attracted attention because it took place as a student mobilisation is ongoing across France. The damage and circumstances of the Nantes fire are still to be examined as well as where the fire took place, school officials said.
