As predicted on Natives earlier
this month, French funiculars have been subjected to
considerable scrutiny in the aftermath of the Kaprun fire.
The fire brigade and local safety
experts performed fire drills at the two funicular systems
in Tignes and Val d'Isere, similar to the one in Kaprun
although a different make.
Although the exercise went well, with
fire and safety experts from as far afield as Albertville
present, the Val d'Isere funicular is still not open.**
Natives understands that it will open
for next weekend's Premier Neige set of World Cup races,
some of which are held on the pistes in the La Daille area.
However, some of the authorities have
reservations. Alain Lullier, chief of firefighters in the
Alpine Savoie region, has claimed that 'there are no fire
rescue techniques capable of intervening in such a tunnel'.
The test involved a smoke generator
to simulate a fire at the summit station, causing the car
to stop in the tunnel. Passengers were then evacuated.
In the last week similar operations
have been performed in Deux-Alpes and Tignes.
**Addendum:
2 Dec - The funicular opened for the first time today, one
week later than planned.
8 Dec - In a quick turnaround, authorities have announced
that the Val and Tignes funiculars will close on Monday
11 December for essential safety work. Given that they are
open at present for World Cup, we can only assume that World
Cup racers are considered expendable, while us general punters
are not???.
