A fire broke out in the spire of Rouen Cathedral, a renowned Gothic cathedral located in the city of Rouen, France, on July 11, 2024. The blaze was reported around midday and quickly gained attention due to its proximity to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris which suffered a devastating fire five years prior. Firefighters from various departments were dispatched to the scene and managed to contain the fire within approximately 90 minutes.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but it is believed that it started in an area undergoing renovation. The cathedral was evacuated as a precautionary measure, and emergency services established a security perimeter around the building. No reports of casualties have been made public.
Rouen Cathedral, also known as Notre-Dame de Rouen, is one of France's most significant architectural landmarks. Its construction began in the 12th century and has undergone numerous renovations throughout history. The cathedral is famous for its three towers and was a frequent subject of impressionist painter Claude Monet.
The fire at Rouen Cathedral brought back memories of the Notre Dame Cathedral blaze, which caused extensive damage to the historic structure in 2019. That fire started during renovation works and was attributed to an electrical fault. The restoration process for Notre Dame is ongoing.
The fire at Rouen Cathedral did not result in significant damage, according to local officials. However, measures were taken to protect the cathedral's precious objects from any potential water damage caused by extinguishing efforts.
Firefighters and emergency services worked diligently to contain the blaze and prevent further damage. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
