The spire of the renowned Gothic cathedral in Rouen, France, caught fire, prompting an evacuation, according to local officials.
Officials report that the fire has since been contained. The cause of the fire remains unknown, said Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, who noted that “all public resources” were mobilized in response. Fire brigade chief Stephane Gouezec informed local media that around 70 firefighters and 40 fire engines were involved in extinguishing the blaze.
The Our Lady of the Assumption cathedral has been evacuated, and a security perimeter is in place, according to the prefecture. Local authorities have reported no casualties, but the extent of the damage to the building is currently unknown.
The prefecture of the Seine-Maritime department told the media that the fire started at the tip of the spire, which is made of metal rather than wood. Rouen Cathedral, which appears in several 19th-century artworks by impressionist artist Claude Monet, is undergoing extensive restoration. The cathedral, constructed over several centuries, includes sections dating back more than 900 years to the 12th century. Between 1876 and 1880, it was the tallest building in the world.
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In 2019, a fire in the wooden roof frame caused significant damage to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The landmark in France’s capital is set to officially reopen in December after years of repairs.
