The gothic cathedral in Rouen, France, was evacuated on Thursday, police said.
LONDON — A fire broke out and was extinguished on Thursday on the spire of a cathedral in Rouen, France, the capital of the Normandy region, local emergency officials said.
Fire officials said the blaze had been put out, saying it appeared from an initial investigation that it been the plastic canopy that covered the spire that was on fire.
Smoke billows from the spire of Rouen Cathedral in Rouen, northern France on July 11, 2024.
Patrick Streiff/AFP via Getty Images
The gothic cathedral had been evacuated, and more than 60 firefighters were at the scene, police officials in Normandy said.
Black smoke and flames could be seen in photos taken midday Thursday. The section where the cathedral’s spire appeared to be on fire had been wrapped in scaffolding.
Fire officials said they would check on the stability of the scaffolding, along with possible water damage to the interior of the cathedral.
ABC News’ Joe Simonetti contributed to this report.
A devastating fire broke out on Saturday at the historic cathedral of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul in the Normandy region of France. The fire, which started in the early morning hours, quickly engulfed the spire of the cathedral, sending plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.
The cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century, is a beloved landmark in the town of Saint-Lô. It is known for its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass windows. The fire has caused significant damage to the spire and roof of the cathedral, leaving many residents and tourists heartbroken at the loss of such a cherished piece of history.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and prevent further damage to the cathedral. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident, but the extent of the damage is still being assessed. The cause of the fire is not yet known, but an investigation is underway to determine what sparked the blaze.
The mayor of Saint-Lô, Marie-Françoise Lebocq, expressed her sadness at the loss of such an iconic structure. She vowed to do everything in her power to support the restoration efforts and ensure that the cathedral is rebuilt to its former glory.
The fire at the cathedral of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul serves as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. These historic buildings are not just monuments of the past, but living symbols of our shared history and identity. It is crucial that we take steps to protect and maintain these treasures for future generations to enjoy.
As the community of Saint-Lô comes together to mourn the loss of their beloved cathedral, there is hope that it will rise from the ashes and be restored to its former splendor. The resilience and spirit of the people of Normandy will undoubtedly shine through as they work to rebuild and preserve this important piece of their heritage.
