ROUEN, FRANCE – A fire erupted in the spire of the medieval cathedral in Rouen on Thursday, sending plumes of smoke into the sky. Authorities managed to bring the blaze under control within 90 minutes, averting a potential disaster.
The Gothic cathedral, an architectural marvel and the subject of a renowned series of paintings by impressionist Claude Monet, was undergoing renovations when the fire broke out. Stephane Gouezec of the Seine-Maritime firefighters explained that the fire’s location in a predominantly metal area minimized the risk of it spreading.
Witnesses described the unsettling scene, recalling the catastrophic 2019 fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris that caused extensive damage. The incident at Rouen Cathedral, however, was contained swiftly, thanks to the prompt response of the firefighters.
Mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol took to social media to inform the public about the fire, reassuring them that efforts were underway to control it. The cathedral was evacuated, and a security perimeter was established to ensure public safety.
Construction workers were the first to notice the fire and immediately alerted the authorities. Firefighters quickly identified the source of the blaze and worked diligently to extinguish any remaining hot spots.
The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing restoration efforts at historic sites across France. The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which suffered a devastating fire five years ago, is set to reopen in December following an extensive reconstruction project.
The quick containment of the fire at Rouen Cathedral highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness in preserving cultural heritage sites. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the swift action of the firefighters prevented a potential tragedy.