The iconic spire of Rouen Cathedral, a magnificent symbol of French Gothic architecture dating back to the 12th century, is currently engulfed in flames. This distressing incident has sparked a massive emergency response and the evacuation of the historic site.
City mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol has confirmed the fire and stated that the origin is unknown at this stage. However, all public resources are mobilized to combat the blaze. Images circulating on social media show smoke billowing from a scaffolding canopy near the cathedral’s towering spire.
Rouen Cathedral holds significant historical and artistic value. Notably, it served as a subject for Claude Monet’s paintings during the 19th century. The cathedral is renowned for its rich history and is considered a national treasure.
In response to the fire, emergency services swiftly evacuated the cathedral, and 63 firefighters and 33 fire engines arrived on the scene to tackle the blaze. The urgency of the situation was amplified by the disruption of public transport in the area. A security perimeter has also been set up around the cathedral.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but it is believed to have originated in an area undergoing building works within the cathedral complex. Recent renovations at the cathedral had surrounded the spire with scaffolding and a protective white canopy.
The spire of Rouen Cathedral stands tall at an impressive 151 meters, making it one of the tallest in Europe and the highest in France. The cathedral itself holds profound historical significance as the traditional coronation site for the dukes of Normandy. It also houses the tomb containing the heart of Richard I, famously known as Richard the Lionheart, who was the King of England from 1189 until his death in 1199.
This unfortunate incident has evoked memories of the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris in 2019, which also required extensive restoration efforts. Despite the challenges, work is ongoing to restore Notre Dame, with a targeted completion date of December 8, 2024.
