Fire & Evacuation
Use these phrases to alert others, navigate to safety, and coordinate an evacuation during a fire emergency.
Key Phrases
Au feu ! Y a le feu dans le bâtiment, sortez !
casualFire! There's a fire in the building, get out!
Common spoken form ('Y a' instead of 'Il y a') used when shouting an urgent warning.
Il y a un début d'incendie au troisième étage, déclenchez l'alarme !
neutralThere's a fire starting on the third floor, trigger the alarm!
A clear, standard way to report a fire and prompt immediate action.
Faut qu'on sorte tout de suite, laissez toutes vos affaires sur place !
casualWe have to get out right away, leave all your things behind!
Uses conversational grammar ('Faut qu'on' instead of 'Il faut que nous').
Évacuez le bâtiment dans le calme et dirigez-vous vers la sortie de secours.
neutralEvacuate the building calmly and head towards the emergency exit.
Typical language used by building staff or public announcements during an emergency.
C'est par où la sortie de secours la plus proche ?
casualWhich way is the nearest emergency exit?
Natural spoken question structure when asking someone nearby.
Pourriez-vous m'indiquer où se trouve l'issue de secours la plus proche ?
politeCould you tell me where the nearest emergency exit is?
Use this if asking a building manager, security guard, or firefighter.
Ne prenez surtout pas les ascenseurs, il faut qu'on utilise les escaliers.
neutralDo not take the elevators under any circumstances, we must use the stairs.
A crucial safety instruction; 'surtout pas' emphasizes the absolute prohibition.
Où se trouve le point de rassemblement prévu en cas d'évacuation ?
neutralWhere is the designated assembly point in case of evacuation?
Good for clarifying where you are supposed to go once outside.
Est-ce que tout le monde est sorti, ou quelqu'un a besoin d'aide ?
casualIs everyone out, or does anyone need help?
A quick check with colleagues or friends during the evacuation.
Vérifiez qu'il ne reste absolument personne dans les toilettes ou les couloirs.
neutralCheck that there is absolutely no one left in the restrooms or hallways.
Instructions usually given by someone taking charge, like a floor warden.
Pas de panique, marchez vite mais ne courez pas dans les escaliers.
casualDon't panic, walk quickly but don't run on the stairs.
Direct and informal reassurance to prevent a stampede.
Restez calmes et suivez les panneaux lumineux verts qui indiquent la sortie.
neutralStay calm and follow the green illuminated signs pointing to the exit.
Standard safety advice using clear, direct imperatives.
Est-ce que quelqu'un a déjà appelé les pompiers au 112 ?
casualHas someone already called the fire department on 112?
112 is the general emergency number throughout Europe, widely understood in France.
Appelez immédiatement les pompiers au 18 et donnez-leur notre adresse exacte.
neutralCall the fire department immediately on 18 and give them our exact address.
18 is the specific national number for the fire department (sapeurs-pompiers) in France.