Here’s a longer, more detailed version of the news article, written in Markdown format:

Second Fire in Two Weeks Strikes Dijon Library, Authorities Suspect Arson

A fire, quickly brought under control by firefighters, has damaged the Champollion Library in a working-class neighborhood of Dijon for the second time in just two weeks. The incident occurred in the night between Saturday, March 1st, and Sunday, March 2nd. Emergency services responded to the blaze at approximately 3:15 AM on Sunday morning. The library is located in the Grésilles district, an area designated as a priority zone for urban renewal and social support.

The Côte-d’Or prefecture released a statement on Sunday morning confirming the incident and outlining the initial response. “The fire affected approximately 200 square meters of the library’s first floor. It has now been extinguished, and debris removal operations are underway,” the statement read. State services emphasized that a judicial investigation has been launched to “determine the exact causes and circumstances of the fire.” The focus of the investigation is to ascertain whether the fire was accidental or deliberately set.

The Dijon public prosecutor’s office, contacted by Agence France-Presse (AFP), confirmed that an investigation is underway and stated that the fire is being treated as “possibly criminal.” This assessment underscores the seriousness with which authorities are approaching the incident, given the prior fire and the potential implications for the community. The prosecutor’s office pledged a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the events.

The City of Dijon has openly condemned the incident, labeling it a “criminal fire.” City officials highlighted the particularly disheartening timing, noting that the second fire occurred on the very night the Champollion Library reopened to the public. This reopening followed intensive efforts to repair the damage caused by the first fire, which took place less than two weeks prior. The timing suggests a deliberate targeting of the library and a disregard for the community it serves.

Nathalie Koenders, the mayor of Dijon, issued a strongly worded statement praising the dedication of municipal staff. She acknowledged their "tireless efforts" and "remarkable work" in facilitating the rapid reopening of the library after the initial fire. Koenders emphasized that the Champollion Library is a high-quality public amenity that had been rendered temporarily unusable by the first incident. She stated that she believes the two fires are “obviously linked,” implying a coordinated effort to damage or destroy the facility.

Mayor Koenders firmly declared, “Together, we will not yield to intimidation or discouragement.” This defiant stance reflects the city’s resolve to restore the library and continue serving the Grésilles community. The statement aims to reassure residents that the city is committed to providing essential services and will not be deterred by acts of vandalism or arson. The focus remains on rebuilding and maintaining community resources.

Paul Mourier, the Prefect of Côte-d’Or, also expressed his dismay at the incident. He stated that he "deplores this disaster, which deprives the residents of this working-class neighborhood of a vital local cultural facility." The loss of the library, even temporarily, represents a significant blow to the community, limiting access to books, educational resources, and public services.

The prefecture’s statement further emphasized Mourier’s determination to address broader security concerns in the Grésilles district. "He reaffirms his determination to maintain order and combat drug trafficking in Grésilles," the statement read. This highlights the connection authorities are making between the fire and other criminal activities in the area. The response indicates a multi-pronged approach, aiming to restore both the library and overall community safety.

The first fire occurred in the night of February 16th to 17th. While the damage from that initial incident was less extensive, it nonetheless disrupted library services and raised concerns about the safety of public buildings. At the time, Mayor Koenders described the event as part of "a worrying climate marked by a resurgence of criminal acts targeting public buildings in Dijon and the surrounding metropolitan area." This broader context suggests the library fires may be indicative of a larger pattern of vandalism and arson targeting public infrastructure.

The repeated attacks on the Champollion Library raise significant questions about security measures at public buildings and the underlying social issues in the Grésilles district. The investigation will likely focus on identifying potential suspects, motives, and any systemic weaknesses that may have contributed to the incidents. The city and prefecture are working together to ensure the library is repaired and reopened as quickly as possible, while also addressing the broader security concerns in the neighborhood. The community’s access to cultural resources and the safety of public spaces are paramount concerns. The commitment to rebuilding and restoring the library is a symbol of resilience and a refusal to allow criminal activity to disrupt essential services. The swift apprehension of those responsible is crucial to restoring confidence and preventing future incidents.