Two small fires were deliberately started inside the Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port in Meurthe-et-Moselle, France, on 4 February 2026, prompting the evacuation of the historic Catholic church. The fires were quickly extinguished by a volunteer and firefighters.
According to local authorities, one fire involved paper leaflets or brochures while another was started near flowers at the foot of a statue inside the basilica. The building filled with thick smoke, requiring firefighters to ventilate the church with a large fan. Minor damage was reported, including a chair and smoke damage to a statue of the Virgin Mary.
The city and the parish filed complaints, and police opened an investigation after surveillance footage suggested a young boy may have been involved.