In a lavish courtly celebration held in Paris, King Charles VI and the nobility attended a spectacular masquerade ball, themed with elaborately designed costumes. The festive atmosphere soon turned dangerous when several flammable costumes caught fire, igniting a rapid spread of flames throughout the venue. Guests, adorned in ornate attire, found themselves in an urgent situation as the panic grew among attendees, many of whom were trapped by the dancing and merriment. Amidst the frenzy and chaos, King Charles VI was at serious risk, but quick-thinking courtiers worked to douse the flames and facilitate an evacuation. It was a close call for the king, who narrowly avoided serious injury from the dangerous situation. Reports of the incident highlighted the vulnerabilities of such extravagant displays, especially given the prevalent use of combustible materials in both fashion and interior decorations of the time.

The incident left an indelible mark on the royal court, forcing them to reassess the safety protocols during public gatherings. This brush with disaster served as a reminder of the perils that could arise from the fusion of festivity and flammability. The masquerade ball, once a symbol of opulence and extravagance, now bore an underline of caution that reverberated through the halls of power. Charles VI’s ability to emerge unscathed was viewed as a stroke of luck, but it also opened discussions about reforming public gatherings to ensure the safety of nobility and guests in future celebrations.