Fire Breaks Out at Rouen Cathedral’s Spire, Prompting Evacuation

The spire of the famous Gothic cathedral in Rouen, known as Our Lady of the Assumption, caught fire earlier today, leading to an urgent evacuation of the premises. The incident, which saw black smoke billowing from the top of the building, was promptly contained by local officials.

The Mayor of Rouen, Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, mentioned that the origin of the fire remains unknown at this stage and that all necessary public resources have been mobilized to address the situation. Approximately 70 firefighters and 40 fire engines were deployed to combat the blaze, as confirmed by Stephane Gouezec, the fire brigade chief.

The Seine-Maritime prefecture revealed that the fire began at the tip of the spire, which is metal-based rather than wooden, ensuring that the damage was contained to plastic parts of the construction site. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and all individuals present at the spire were safely evacuated.

The Rouen cathedral, a landmark featured in the artworks of impressionist artist Claude Monet, holds rich historical significance, with sections of the structure dating back over 900 years to the 12th Century. The ongoing restoration work at the cathedral aims to preserve its architectural heritage for future generations.