Firefighters tackle another Paris blaze

PARIS - Firefighters were tackling a fierce fire in the centre of Paris late on Wednesday local time, a fire brigade spokesman and witnesses said.

A fire spokesman on the scene said the fire had started in a disused cinema used to store gifts, books and toys for a local store. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

It was the latest in a spate of fires in Paris that have killed 24 people, mostly Africans, and raised questions over fire safety and the treatment of immigrants.

Fire and police dismissed earlier reports from local residents that an apartment block was on fire and said there was no one in the burning building.

Two firefighters were hurt at the fire close to the Pompidou Centre and Paris City Hall, but no other casualties were reported.

More than 20 fire engines from 11 fire stations were mobilised, the fire brigade said. Police closed off roads around the former cinema in Rue de Rivoli.

After the latest fatal fire on Monday, in which seven people died, President Jacques Chirac demanded action on fire safety to prevent further tragedies.

- REUTERS